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Privacy Policy

1. Basic concept

The National Diet Library (NDL) makes every effort to protect the privacy of patrons while ensuring smooth operation of NDL websites, which are provided under the domains www.ndl.go.jp and www.kodomo.go.jp, as well as web forms provided under the domain form2.ndl.go.jp. All data collected from NDL websites is handled in a manner suitable to the purpose for which it was collected.

2. Scope of application

This policy describes the purposes for which information about individual patrons, their browsing history on NDL websites, and other kinds of personal information is collected as well as how it is handled by the NDL.
The NDL operates and manages all NDL websites.
Please be aware, however, that there are some websites provided under the domains ndl.go.jp and kodomo.go.jp that have their own privacy policies. For example, the NDL Search website (https://ndlsearch.ndl.go.jp) is one such website.

3. Types of data collected

(1) NDL websites automatically collect the following personal data:

  • Referrer URL
  • IP address
  • Browsing history on NDL websites, including access date and time, search keywords, session information, accessed URLs, and other information
  • Device information, such as browser and OS type/version

(2) When a patron makes either an inquiry or an application, NDL websites require them to submit their name, email address, and the content of their request. Depending on the content of the request, a user ID or affiliation might also be required.
(3) When a patron applies to participate in an event or other similar occasion, NDL websites might require them to submit their name, email address, and any other information necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the event.

4. Handling of personal data

(1) Purpose of collection

Data collected as described in 3(1) is used for reference to ensure smooth operation and improve services of NDL websites, including compiling usage statistics, preventing unauthorized use, and implementing security measures.
Data collected as described in 3(2) is used to respond to inquiries.
Data collected as described in 3(3) is used to facilitate the operation of events and similar activities.

(2) Handling of personal data

Data collected as described in 3(1) is used for access analysis. NDL websites use their own statistical functions and Google Analytics for access analysis. The statistical functions analyze access logs to produce usage statistics, such as the number of page visits, and to measure usage patterns of NDL website patrons in a manner that does not identify individual patrons.
Access analysis using Google Analytics extracts data in a non-personally identifiable manner and performs statistical analysis. This analysis is not used to categorize patrons. For more information on how Google Analytics works and its privacy policy, please see Google's Data ProtectionLeave the NDL website. and other sites.
NDL websites use Datadog Real User Monitoring (Datadog RUM) to collect error information only when a program malfunction occurs on an NDL website. The NDL does not use Datadog RUM to monitor patron behavior. For more information on how Datadog RUM works and Datalog’s privacy policy, please see the Datalog Trust HubLeave the NDL website. and Real User MonitoringLeave the NDL website. .
Data collected as described in 3(2) and 3(3) is used for the purposes stated in 4(1). Some webforms use reCAPTCHA for security purposes. The reCAPTCHA is subject to Google’s privacy policyLeave the NDL website. and termsLeave the NDL website. .

(3) Retention Period

The NDL retains personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and handled, as stated in 4(1).
In order to prevent unauthorized use and security as well as in order to analyze access, personal data collected as described in 3(1) is stored for no more than a maximum of 14 months and then deleted. Datadog RUM data is stored for no more than a maximum of one month and then deleted.
Data collected as described in 3(2) and 3(3) is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the stated purposes, then deleted.

(4) Cookies and their purpose

Cookies are small text files that NDL websites store on a patron's smartphone, tablet, PC, or other device when the patron accesses NDL websites.

Strictly Necessary Cookies: Always Enabled

Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility.
These cookies are also necessary to prevent unauthorized access as well as to detect and to mitigate potential security threats.
Patrons are free to disable Strictly Necessary Cookies by changing their browser settings, but this could affect how NDL websites function.
Even if a patron disables Strictly Necessary Cookies, the NDL collects data as described in 3(1) to produce usage statistics.

Accept All Cookies: Analytics Cookies

When a patron accepts all cookies, the NDL sets Analytics Cookies that are used to evaluate and to improve our services by measuring how the patron uses NDL websites.
Personal data collected by Analytics Cookies as described in 3(1) is used as a reference for assisting work performance and improvement of services related to the operation of NDL websites as well as to analyze the habits of patrons. The usage analysis extracts and collects personal data in a way that does not identify individual patrons.

How to revoke Analytics Cookies after the user accepts all cookies

Patrons are free to revoke their acceptance of Analytics Cookies at any time. Simply press the Reset Cookie Settings button at the bottom of this page to display the consent settings screen again and select Strictly Necessary Cookies.
Please be aware, however, that data collected before revoking acceptance of Analytics Cookies cannot be deleted.

5. Measures to ensure security

The NDL takes all necessary and appropriate measures to prevent the leakage, destruction, or damage to personal data that has been collected, and to otherwise manage it safely.
The NDL never uses personal data that it collects for any purpose other than those stated in 4(1) above and does not provide personal data to third parties, except for specific cases involving either a legal disclosure request or unlawful actions such as malicious access and threats. The NDL does, however, reserve the right to publish statistical information mentioned in 3(1) above.

6. Social Media Buttons and Embedded Videos

Some social networking services (SNS) automatically receive information such as user ID and accessed site when you view a page containing their buttons, even without clicking them. For details, see Notes for SNS Users (Japanese) on the Personal Information Protection Commission website. Please also check the privacy policies of the SNS services used on the NDL official website.

NDL websites embed YouTube videos provided by Google LLC. When viewing a page with an embedded video, your browser automatically sends information such as your IP address, accessed URL, and your browser type to Google. Please refer to Google’s privacy policyLeave the NDL website. for details.

7. Handling of Personal Information by the NDL

For general information on the handling of personal information by the NDL, see Protection of Personal Information. Registered users might also refer to User Registration.

8. Revision of this privacy policy

This policy is subject to change. Whenever changes to the policy are made, patrons are notified on this site and any future visits to NDL websites are subject to the updated policy.

9. Contact Information

For inquiries about this privacy policy, please use the Contact Us page or call:
Digital Information Department, Digital Information Distribution Division.
Tel: +81-3-3581-2331 (automated voice information service)