Reflecting on the Latest Statement from the Business Group
How We Should Approach Online Defamation
In this modern era where social media and the internet have become the center of daily information dissemination,
we live in a society where "misinformation," "impression manipulation," and "anonymous posts" spread instantly.
Recently, the impact and responsibility issues surrounding this have reached a level that goes beyond mere online controversy.
Amidst this, a new statement has been posted on the official website.
It is on the following page:
👉 https://www.jigyokasyudan.jp/legal-action-against-false-information/
Reading this, I felt that we need to rethink how we approach online information.
First, I will quote the content of the official statement below.
[Official Statement (Summary/Quote)]
*The following is organized and quoted based on the content of the official page.
The Business Group (hereinafter referred to as "the Group") has continuously announced its legal response policy against the dissemination of false information by anonymous posters and acts of defamation against the Group and its affiliates.
The fact that one of the relevant posters has been criminally prosecuted has been reported, and a clear warning and response policy regarding acts of inducing media coverage using false information have been presented.
The details are as follows.
1. Regarding a poster who was continuously making defamatory posts against the Group, the identity was identified through legal procedures such as a request for disclosure of sender information based on the Provider Liability Limitation Act, and the court determined that the content of the posts was not true, leading to a criminal complaint to pursue criminal responsibility.
2. The relevant poster was indicted by a public prosecutor, and the criminal trial is currently ongoing.
3. Acts of attempting to induce media coverage using false information are recognized as serious and malicious acts that damage the honor and credibility of the Group and its affiliates, and also affect the reliability of media organizations.
4. In the future, if reports based on false information are made, the Group will clearly show its policy of taking strong legal measures without hesitation, including claims for damages and criminal complaints, both civilly and criminally.
5. Media personnel and viewers are encouraged to verify facts based on reliable information sources such as court judgments and official announcements, while considering the source, background, and interests of the providers.
6. While calling attention to the fact that even anonymous posts can be held civilly and criminally liable, the Group requests moderate behavior aimed at balancing freedom of expression and respect for human rights.
My thoughts after reading the statement
Reading this article makes it clear that the reality of online defamation and the dissemination of false information can be subject to legal responsibility.
I was particularly impressed by the following points.
◆ Misinformation and false information are no longer just "opinions"
In the past, posts on the internet were often treated lightly because they were "personal opinions" or on "anonymous bulletin boards."
However, we are now in an era where such posts can be held legally responsible and become the subject of criminal prosecution or claims for damages.
The statement mentions that even with anonymous posts, the sender was identified, which led to a criminal complaint.
In other words, anonymity does not mean protection, nor does it mean one can escape responsibility.
This is a major wake-up call for those of us who use the internet daily.
I felt that everyone should know the reality that casual sharing or emotional posts can carry legal responsibility.
Responsibility as a recipient of information
The background of the spread of misinformation also involves the attitude of the recipients.
It is common to react based solely on emotion before verifying whether something is true.
However, what the statement repeatedly requests is fact-checking based on multiple reliable sources.
In particular, relying solely on someone's posts or rumors to obtain information leads to:
・Biased perspectives
・Expansion of misunderstandings
・Infringement of third-party human rights.
As the statement clearly indicates to media personnel that they should "verify facts based on multiple reliable information sources such as court judgments and official announcements," we, the recipients, are also required to make calm judgments.
Responsibility as an information sender
On the other hand, we must also be strongly aware of our responsibility as senders.
While a lighthearted tone is common in social media tweets, comments, and reposts,
if it damages someone's life or credibility, it is not just "words."
The reason the statement sets out legal measures is because it understands that weight.
Just because it is anonymous does not mean you can avoid responsibility.
Rather, because of anonymity, emotional words are easily produced and spread.
However, I felt that we are required to bring the concept of responsibility into that space.
Our criteria for judgment in an information society
This statement is not just a protest or rebuttal.
It is also a raising of the issue of balancing freedom of expression and respect for human rights in the new public space of the internet society.
What we should think about now is:
・The background and purpose of the information being sent
・Whose interests it serves
・Whose disadvantages it creates
・Which information is primary and which is secondary.
I think it is about having these criteria.
This is not a political or economic issue,
but an issue of information ethics that each and every one of us must face.
What I learned from this statement
This official statement asks us as individuals the following:
Words are not light.
Information is not treated the same as truth.
Responsibility arises precisely because it is the internet.
And most importantly,
there is responsibility not only for the sender but also for the recipient.
This is a perspective that is obvious but often overlooked.