Through some unofficial reports from Gifu University student(s), we learned that Gifu University students' personal information contained in the reference materials (released into the public domain in March 2020, and were posted at external URL links on Friday, March 26, 2021) was accessible on the internet for a while although all such data was processed to keep it confidential and inaccessible to net viewers. We also confirmed the existence of similar materials containing personal information yet accessible on the internet. (personal data considered to be breached: names of 197 students, their ID numbers, room numbers at campus dormitories, and dates of birth).

Gifu University has been committed to a proper administration of personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Regulations, however the latest revelation of data breach compelled us to seriously reflect on our handling and managing personal information. We deeply apologize to all concerned for any inconvenience that this may cause.

With regards to the materials (posted on the internet on March 26), we requested the link operators to replace them with a modified version, and all were replaced on March 26. In addition, the internet access to all the other materials containing personal data and were accessible to the net users, was completely blocked on Monday, March 29, 2021. It took longer days than expected to clear all data cache from search engines, and the revised materials were reposted on the internet after we confirmed all personal data (including data cache) was deleted from the websites.

It was also concluded by credible sources that no personal data was used illegally to date. We provided detailed, full explanations to the students whose data might have been breached, and offered sincere apologies to these students in person.

Gifu University has been strictly handling personal information in view of protecting the privacy and the confidentiality of all the members of Gifu University by holding seminars or workshops on a regular basis. We profoundly regret the latest data breach incident, and pledge to step up our efforts to enhance our awareness of the importance of protecting personal information and reinforcing information security to prevent similar incidents from happening again in the future.


For inquiry
General Affairs Division, General Affairs Department, Gifu University
TEL：058-293-2008
E-mail：gjga01012@jim.gifu-u.ac.jp