About the IAPP

Kaei Ro is a counsel at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto in Tokyo, and is qualified to practice law in both Japan and California. With over 11 years of experience, she advises clients across a wide range of sectors on ICT/IT regulation, data privacy, AI governance, and intellectual property matters.

She previously served on secondment at Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, where she played a central role in significant reforms to the Telecommunications Business Act—including Japan’s cookie regulation and enhanced governance requirements for major telecom service providers. She also contributed to revising key governmental guidelines, such as the Privacy Governance Guidebook.

Her practice spans industries from major telecom operators and global tech platforms to traditional media, financial institutions, and manufacturers undergoing digital transformation. She is well-versed in advising on regulatory clearance for new service launches, as well as in managing sensitive, high-stakes incidents. Drawing on her government experience, she offers clear and effective communication with regulators.

Kaei has also served as an expert member of governmental regulatory advisory panels and as an external advisor for regulatory guidance initiatives led by major advertising industry groups.