Criminal framework

Act on Prevention of Damage Caused by Provision of Private Sexual Image Records (Act No. 126 of 2014). The statute was enacted 2014. Up to 3 years imprisonment or fine up to ¥500,000 for unauthorised provision. Up to 1 year for facilitating provision.

Civil and data protection framework

Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) request for cessation of use provides the parallel civil route. Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) is the national supervisory authority and accepts complaints against any controller processing intimate imagery without lawful basis. The official site is https://www.ppc.go.jp.

Official victim support

Safer Internet Association hotline is the recognised support service. Available at https://www.safe-line.jp.

Five step removal process for Japan victims

  1. 1

    Preserve evidence before any contact with the perpetrator

    Capture full page screenshots with URLs visible. Save the original files. Note timestamps. This evidence supports both the Revenge Porn Prevention Act complaint and any Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) request for cessation of use request.

  2. 2

    File a criminal complaint under Revenge Porn Prevention Act

    Report to local police or the national cybercrime unit. Safer Internet Association hotline can assist with the report.

  3. 3

    Submit an erasure request under Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) request for cessation of use

    Send a written request to each platform's designated data protection contact citing the legal basis. PPC can be petitioned if the platform fails to comply within 30 days.

  4. 4

    Send a US TAKE IT DOWN Act notice in parallel for covered platforms

    When the platform is subject to US jurisdiction, the 48 hour federal removal obligation applies in parallel with your domestic rights. ScanErase files these notices automatically.

  5. 5

    Track and escalate non compliant platforms

    Document every notice and every response. Escalate non compliant platforms through the regulator complaint process.

Frequently asked questions

What is the criminal NCII statute in Japan?

Act on Prevention of Damage Caused by Provision of Private Sexual Image Records (Act No. 126 of 2014). Enacted 2014. Up to 3 years imprisonment or fine up to ¥500,000 for unauthorised provision. Up to 1 year for facilitating provision.

Who enforces data protection rights in Japan?

Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) is the national authority. Official site: https://www.ppc.go.jp.

Is there an official victim support service in Japan?

Yes. Safer Internet Association hotline provides direct help to victims. Site: https://www.safe-line.jp.

Can a Japan resident also use the US TAKE IT DOWN Act?

Yes when the hosting platform is subject to US jurisdiction. The TAKE IT DOWN Act applies to covered platforms regardless of where the victim resides. ScanErase's scan finds every US covered platform hosting your images, so you can file notices there in parallel with Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) request for cessation of use requests.

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