Japan: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications adopted order designating Pinterest, CyberAgent, Shonan Seibu Home Co, and Dwango as large-scale specified telecommunications service providers

On 30 May 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan designated four entities as large-scale specified telecommunications service providers under Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the Act on Addressing Rights Infringements Arising from the Distribution of Information via Specified Telecommunications (Information Distribution Platform Regulation Act). The designated companies included Pinterest Europe Ltd. (Pinterest), CyberAgent, Inc. (Ameba Blog), Shonan Seibu Home Co., Ltd. (Bakusai.com), and Dwango Co., Ltd. (Niconico). The Act requires designated large-scale platform operators to adopt enhanced measures to address the distribution of illegal and harmful content online. This includes the prompt processing of takedown requests, increased transparency in content moderation practices, and improvements in user notification procedures. In accordance with Article 21, paragraph 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. These obligations aim to strengthen protections for individuals whose rights may be infringed by online content, while maintaining a balance with the right to freedom of expression.