Social media crises ("flaming") can trigger legal liability including defamation (Criminal Code Art. 230), credit damage/business obstruction (Art. 233), and insult (Art. 231, penalties increased in 2022). Response steps: preserve evidence, request deletion via Provider Liability Act Art. 3, file sender disclosure request (Art. 5), then pursue damages (Civil Code Art. 709) or criminal prosecution.
Social Media Crisis Management: Legal Responses in Japan
Key Takeaways
- ✓False posts during online firestorms may constitute defamation or business obstruction
- ✓Sender disclosure requests can identify malicious posters
- ✓Internal social media guidelines are essential for prevention
- ✓Poor initial response tends to prolong the crisis
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This article provides general legal information and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal issues, please consult with a qualified attorney.
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