Japan: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications closes consultation on draft survey plan for monitoring implementation of consumer protection rules

On 25 September 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) closes the consultation on the draft survey plan for monitoring the implementation of consumer protection rules under the Telecommunications Business Act (Act No. 86 of 1984). The draft plan was developed pursuant to the Basic Policy for Supervision of Telecommunications Business User Protection Discipline and set out the scope of services and operators subject to investigation, including mobile network operator (MNO) services, mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) services, separate internet service provider (ISP) services, and cable television internet services. It specified methodologies such as hearings from operators, sales agents, and business associations, alongside on-site inspections and undercover surveys at physical, remote, and online sales points. The plan defined basic and priority survey items, including compliance with disclosure obligations, contract document delivery, initial cancellation rights, prohibition rules, complaint-handling, and specific issues such as tariff transparency, fair explanations for elderly and youth users, telephone solicitation rules, and online contract practices, including dark pattern prevention. The consultation was scheduled to inform the finalisation of the plan in autumn 2025 and potential updates to the supervisory basic policy.