As of today, anyone who insults someone else online in Japan will be punished with a year’s imprisonment.
Japan will impose fines of more than $2,000, and also a maximum of one year in prison for those who insult other people online in their country.
A Justice Department spokesman commented, as cnn reported, saying:
“Under japan’s penal code, insults are defined as publicly disparaging a person’s social position without referring to specific facts about him or a particular procedure.”
Japan Justice Department spokesman
Although Japan already has measures against cyberbullying, it has not been effective. For example, the penalties were only 30 days in prison, at most, or a fine barely exceeding $70.
This marked change in Japan’s laws is its government’s response to one of the most widespread cases of online harassment in the country.
The case included the suicide of Hannah Kimura, a professional wrestler, who is internationally known as part of the Netflix series Terrace House.
Kimura has been harassed by thousands of internet users for months, leading her to deep depression. Her case has sparked several anti-cyberbullying campaigns, with Japanese government officials finally considering new measures.
Although the law we comment on has already come into force, many officials disagree with it because they consider it vague.
That’s why this law will be reviewed again in three years to measure its effectiveness in eliminating cyberbullying and its impact on freedom of expression.
