Launch of the Joint Study Group
On April 17, 2024, the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications held the first meeting of the "Joint Study Group on Countermeasures Against Digital Sexual Transactions," aimed at considering legislation to address the buying, selling, and brokering of sexual services via social media platforms. The meeting, held inside the Diet building, was attended by experts, industry stakeholders, and representatives of victim-support organizations.
Issues Under Consideration
The study group is examining three main pillars: 1. Platform regulation: Statutory obligations to address content suggesting sexual transactions and to provide information to authorities 2. Regulation of sex buyers: Establishing direct penalty provisions for "sex buyers," which are unclear under current law 3. Strengthened age verification: Strengthening identity-verification obligations to prevent use by minors
Reactions from Various Quarters
Platform operators took a cautious stance, saying that "careful discussion is needed regarding the balance with freedom of speech and the technical feasibility of implementation." Support organizations, on the other hand, argued that "given that the harm is ongoing, legislation is needed as soon as possible."
This article was compiled based on publicly available information.