Japan’s parliament has passed legislation that makes “online insults”, or cyberbullying, punishable by imprisonment.
The amendment to the country’s penal code will go into effect this summer. People accused of online insults could face imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of 300,000 yen (about $2,200). Beforehand, the punishment for online insults was far lighter: People found guilty could face detention for up to 30 days or a fine of 10,000 yen ($75).
The move comes alongside rising concern over social media harassment in the country. This has been most prominently sparked by a reality television star dying by suicide, after experiencing online bullying. Hana Kimura, known for Netflix’s Terrace House, faced months of such harassment, which many pointed out after her death. Last March a man was charged and fined after sending consistently hateful messages to the star.
Japanese officials addressed cyberbullying and its dangers soon after.
Insults, under Japan’s penal code, are defined as publicly demeaning someone’s reputation without the reference of specifics, whether that’s a fact about them or a specific action. This is different to defamation, which would involve specifications.
The bill has caused some controversy in the country, with critics suggesting this could limit free speech and condemnation towards those in power. Other opponents believe that the definition of “online insults” needs be to made more distinct.
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