Japan Makes Cyberbullying Punishable by One Year in Prison

In an attempt to curb cyberbullying in the country, Japan proposed law earlier this year that tightens the penalties for online trolls. The law finally came into effect this week and aims to hold trolls accountable for online insults by introducing stricter punishment.

Japan’s Tightens Law to Prevent Cyberbullying

According to Japan’s revised Penal Code, people charged for online insults will have to facea year in prison and pay up to 300,000 Yen (~$2,200/Rs.1,75,000). Before this legislation, the punishment was up to 30 days in prison and up to 10,000 Yen (~$73/~Rs.5,800) as a fine.

The Japanese governmentwill review the law in three yearsto analyze its impact and revise the legislation if necessary. Notably, people criticized the bill when the government proposed it. The primary argument of the opposers of the law is that it could hinder free speech. However, asCNNreports, Japan passed the legislation after adding the clause to review the terms in three years.

Japan fast-tracked the anti-cyber bullying laws after the suicide of Netflix reality show (Terrace House) star and professional wrestler Hana Kimura a few years back. Kimura was reportedly a victim of online abuse and committed suicide in May 2020.

“It demonstrates the legal assessment that (cyberbullying) is a crime that should be severely dealt with, and acts as a deterrent,”Japan’s Justice Minister Yoshihisa Furukawa wasquotedas saying byJapan Times. He also reassured that the law will not restrict freedom of expression in the country.

We will have to wait to see how this new law works out for the country and if it could reduce cyberbullying. So, do you think other countries should adopt such measures? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Subin B

Subin writes about consumer tech, software, and security. He secretly misses the headphone jack while pretending he’s better off with the wireless freedom.

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