The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) reported that staff members lost 10 government-issued smartphones in 2025 [1].
This security breach is significant because the devices contained confidential information, including employee rosters, and contact details. The loss of these tools in a foreign jurisdiction increases the risk of intelligence leaks and unauthorized data access.
Of the 10 devices reported lost last year, two have not yet been recovered [1]. A spokesperson for the agency said the missing phones contained staff directories and contact information [3]. One specific incident in November 2025 drew particular scrutiny after a device was potentially lost at an airport [3].
Investigations revealed that the losses occurred in China, with devices disappearing near hotels, restaurants, and airports [1]. Some of these incidents happened while employees were visiting the country for personal reasons but had brought their work devices along [2].
Critics have pointed to a failure in the agency's crisis management and security protocols. Yoichi Takahashi said employees should not take work devices on personal trips [2]. While some reports based on information disclosure requests initially indicated at least six losses [2], the agency later confirmed the total was 10 [1].
The agency has not detailed the specific security measures currently in place to prevent further losses of hardware during international travel. However, the fact that two devices remain unrecovered suggests a persistent vulnerability in the agency's asset tracking.
“2025年の紛失事案は10件で、そのうち2件はいまだに見つかっていません”
The loss of government hardware in China represents a critical operational security failure. Because the devices contain personnel data and were lost in a region known for aggressive signals intelligence, the risk is not merely the loss of hardware, but the potential compromise of the agency's communication network and the safety of its employees.
