Japan: Act on Measures against Infringement of Rights through the Distribution of Information by Specified Telecommunications including procedural user rights enters into force

On 1 April 2025, amendments to the Act on Measures against Infringement of Rights through the Distribution of Information by Specified Telecommunications (Act No. 137 of 2001, as amended by Act No. 25 of 2024), introducing procedural rights for users affected by content takedown decisions on large-scale online platforms, entered into force. The 2024 amendment changed the Law’s title from Act on the Limitation of Liability for Damages of Specified Telecommunications Service Providers and the Right to Demand Disclosure of Identification Information of the Sender. The amended Law requires designated large-scale specified telecommunications service providers to notify content senders when access to their transmitted information is blocked due to rights infringement claims. Content senders must be given an opportunity to submit their opinion before a disclosure of their information is granted, unless exceptional circumstances apply. In addition, platforms must publicise their complaint-handling standards and disclose the outcome of investigations to affected users. These measures aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and recourse in digital systems impacting user participation. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is responsible for supervising implementation and may issue administrative guidance or binding orders in cases of non-compliance.