Loosened Controls

Japan's Trade Ministry is moving to simplify the export control procedures it had placed on Sony's Playstation 2 console. The ministry had first enacted export controls in early March due to encryption technology used by the system, demanding that Sony obtain a special permit to export to the United States and Europe. The ministry imposed further sanctions in April because it believed that the Playstation 2's components could be adapted to weapons systems. The restrictions would have forced Sony to get a license for any export of more than one unit, as Japanese export law requires such licenses for any export of possible military technology valued at more than $472. Japan's Trade Ministry revised its procedure after reclassifying the PS2 as a general purpose product.