Japan is urging social media platforms to curb misinformation and disinformation ahead of local elections, as authorities move to protect election fairness. Nikkei Asia reports that Japan is pushing platforms to take steps to limit misleading content around elections.
According to the South China Morning Post, Japan’s communications ministry has unveiled draft guidelines for 13 major social media operators. The proposals would require platforms to set user-eligibility requirements and implement screening procedures for accounts that seek monetisation, as well as to suspend monetisation when content is posted that harms electoral fairness. The drafts also include other measures aimed at reducing the impact of coordinated or harmful online activity during the election period. The two outlets align on the core point: Japan is tightening expectations for social media companies in the run-up to elections.
