Japan's anti-cyberbullying effort has been enhanced, increasing its online insult fine by up to $2,200. Of course, many individuals will feel like this is too much for online trash talks.
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A computer game enthusiast plays a computer game during a computer gaming summit May 3, 2003 in Osnabrueck, Germany. About 900 computer gamers from across Germany came to play games such as "Counter Strike," "Black Hawk Down," "WarCraft" and "Medal of Honour" in teams across a LAN network for two days. Many gamers are part of clans, groups of 10-30 people.
But, Japan is a country known for taking cyberbullying seriously. In 2020, Japan made the headlines after increasing its punishment for online harassment and other similar actions to protect its netizens.
As of writing, the Asian country's punishments for cyberbullying can put a person up to 30 days in prison. They will also be required to pay $75 to settle their case.
Japan Increase Cyberbullying Fine To $2,200!
According to PC Mag's latest report, Japan's existing online insult penalties are expected to change with the new legislation.
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Loubna, a 27-year-old Moroccan victim of cyberbullying, uses her phone in the coastal city of Casablanca on March 9, 2020. - In Morocco, more than one in two women (54%) say they have been victims of some form of violence and in 13.4% of cases of violence linked to new technologies, according to official statistics published by Mobilising for Rights Associates in May 2019.
Specifically, the new law will increase the fine up to $2,200 and expand the imprisonment to one year, as reported by NBC News. Japan's Ministry of Justice explained that cyberbullying is degrading people's social standing without any specific facts.
For the Asian country, this is a serious offense. The severity of online harassment was seen in March 2020 after the well-known professional Japanese wrestler, Hana Kinura, decided to take her own life.
She shared the hate comments she received from the public, as well as images showing her self-harming activities caused by cyberbullying.
Japan's Anti-Cyberbullying Effort is Flawed?
Japan's efforts to prevent cyberbullying may look efficient. However, experts stated that the penalties could also negatively affect the country's residents.
Seiho Cho, a Japan-based criminal lawyer, explained that online insults don't really have a specific definition. This means that other people can consider any statement you make as an insult.
This can put anyone in prison because other individuals don't like their remarks. On the other hand, Cho also stated that the actions of Japan against online harassment could affect the freedom of speech on various social media platforms.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk's harmful Twitter behavior was criticized by SpaceX employees.
Recently, the EU's disinformation code has been enhanced to address Ukraine-Russia fake news.
For more news updates about cyberbullying and other related online topics, keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Griffin Davis
