A government survey released Saturday found that more than 80 percent of respondents were largely unaware of details about an envisioned system that would number citizens to centralize control of tax payments and other personal data.
In total, 83.3 percent of those polled said they are mostly ignorant of the system. Of this total, 41.8 percent responded that they are aware of the plan but not its specific details and 41.5 percent replied that they have never heard of the system.
Only 16.7 percent claimed to have a thorough grasp of system’s specific details.
The survey also found that 57.4 percent of respondents consider the system’s introduction necessary, as opposed to 27.3 percent who view it as unnecessary.
The government intends to submit a bill to the Diet in February that would see the numbering system implemented in January 2015. The government hopes to introduce the system along with its proposed tax and social security reforms.
A significant number of respondents fear their personal data might be leaked under the proposed system, the survey also showed. Some 40.5 percent said are worried the system may result their privacy being invaded, while 32.2 percent are concerned about unauthorized use of their personal information.
The survey was conducted in November and covered 3,000 adults nationwide. About 63 percent of those polled provided valid responses.