Japan is preparing to implement significant changes to its regulations surrounding social media with the introduction of the Information Distribution Platform Countermeasures Law (Info-Pla Law), set to take effect on April 1, 2025. Announced on March 11, 2025, the law aims to hasten the response times for dealing with online defamation, mandatorily requiring social media operators to act quickly against defamatory content.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications revealed on March 11 alongside the law's announcement, stating, "The revised law requires businesses to set specific deletion criteria and appoint specialists knowledgeable about Japanese laws and culture." This adjustment reflects the increasing need for effective measures addressing defamation and the growing complexity surrounding communication on digital platforms.
According to the Info-Pla Law, businesses with more than 10 million average monthly active users will now be compelled to establish clear criteria for when to delete offensive posts, and these criteria must be published to keep users informed. Notably, businesses are also required to significantly cut the timeline for notifying users about deletion decisions—from 14 days down to just 7 days—aiming for swifter resolution of reported issues.
Alongside these changes, the Info-Pla Law includes provisions allowing third parties to request the removal of posts they perceive as harmful or defamatory. This aspect has sparked considerable debate, with some critics raising concerns about potential abuses of the system. "Critics argue this could lead to censorship, limiting free speech on social media platforms," as discussed by various commentators on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). There are fears this could simply empower individuals or groups to silence dissenting opinions under the pretext of protecting others.
Supporters of the law contend it provides necessary protections for victims, particularly those suffering from bullying or defamation online. Legal experts have noted, "Supporters believe this law will strengthen victim protection and streamline responsive measures." The shift toward allowing third-party deletion requests was framed by the Ministry as being done to create broader protections for individuals harmed by online discourse.
The online reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Many netizens echoed worries about potential overreach, with posts reading: "Third-party deletion requests could pressure platforms to remove content hastily, even if it’s not truly harmful." Others have pointed out what they believe to be panic-driven misrepresentations about the law's intentions, with some users asserting, "This law doesn’t infringe on free speech but instead aims to protect individuals from baseless attacks and false accusations."
The public discourse surrounding the Info-Pla Law reflects deep-seated anxieties about free expression and state intervention. "People need to read and understand these legal changes instead of letting fear guide their opinions," commented one Twitter user, challenging critics to engage more thoughtfully with the law's content rather than simply reacting from emotion.
Legally, the Info-Pla Law is fundamentally rooted in the principles established by its predecessor—the Provider Liability Limitation Law—enacted last year, and its aim is not to restrict speech but to adapt to the realities of modern social media communication. This law is structured to curb the spread of damaging lies, stalking behaviors, and other issues which have proliferated on these platforms, including references to "shady part-time jobs" and other illegal activities.
For those managing SNS (social networking services), the imminent law compels rigorous compliance measures and the appointment of specialists to oversee the handling of alleged defamation and rights infringements. The guideline also outlines responsibilities to notify affected individuals when posts are removed, except when such notifications might risk secondary harm, particularly in cases involving potential stalkers.
With the implementation date approaching, the Ministry expects all platforms to adhere closely to the new standards, bolstering existing safeguards against harmful content and ensuring victims’ rights are respected. Conversations surrounding these developments will likely continue to evolve as the public adapts to the law’s requirements and impact.
(Follow-up inquiries about the law and its implementation can be directed to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.)