Japan Tightens Social Media Rules for Elections, Mandates AI Labeling

Japan is tightening its regulations on social media use during elections, mandating that AI-generated images and videos must be clearly labeled. The new rules, approved by Parliament on July 13 and taking effect in March, also forbid internet users and platforms from disseminating false or distorted information concerning candidates.

"We believe that this is extremely important from the perspective of ensuring the fairness of elections," said Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan's internal affairs minister, whose ministry oversees elections and telecommunications. The new measures follow allegations of AI-generated content being used to smear candidates in a 2025 leadership contest within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and in parliamentary elections held in February.

However, a key difference between Japan's new rules and similar legislation, such as the Digital Services Act passed by the European Union, is the absence of penalties for non-compliance. This has led local media to question the potential effectiveness of the Japanese regulations. The Nikkei business daily suggested that Tokyo might be seeking to avoid the friction experienced between Washington and Brussels over fines imposed under the EU's act.

The Japanese government plans to establish guidelines for platform operators to ensure adherence to the rules. According to Kyodo News, annual disclosures on implementation will also be required. Japanese officials stated that drafting the new rules involved balancing the principles of free speech with the need to protect the integrity of democratic elections.

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We believe that this is extremely important from the perspective of ensuring the fairness of elections.