Japan: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications issued order designating large-scale specific telecommunications service providers under Information Distribution Platform Regulation Act

On 30 April 2025, the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications adopted an order under the Information Distribution Platform Regulation Act, formally designating Google LLC, LINE Yahoo Corporation, Meta Platforms, TikTok, and X Corp. as large specified telecommunications service providers pursuant to Article 20(1) of the Act. The designation imposes obligations to implement content removal procedures and to ensure operational transparency in addressing the distribution of unlawful and harmful information online. Designated providers are required to establish systems for handling takedown requests and to publicly disclose content moderation standards in line with the Act’s enforcement framework. In accordance with Article 21(1) of the Act, designated providers are required to submit a notification to the MIC within three months of their designation, including information on the provider's name, address, and, in the case of foreign entities, details of their representative or agent in Japan.