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Facebook Scams Demand Stricter Online Rules, Says Japanese Lawmaker
Japanese lawmaker demands stricter online rules for companies like Meta Platforms Inc. Facebook in Japan has a high number of fake ads, prompting outrage and calls for action. Lawsuit filed against Meta Japan by victims seeking damages.
A prominent lawmaker in Japan is calling for stricter regulations on companies like Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, in response to the rise of social media scams. Takuya Hirai, the head of the ruling party's digital promotion working group, believes that current efforts by Meta to address the issue are insufficient. Hirai is considering summoning Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify before the Diet, Japan's national legislature.
According to Hirai, Facebook is home to a disproportionate number of fake ads in Japan, and the situation is unacceptable. He described Meta as the "most non-compliant platform owner." In light of this, Hirai's team plans to collaborate with the Liberal Democratic Party and government officials to enhance monitoring of big US tech companies operating in Japan. They aim to develop detailed policy options by the end of the current parliamentary session in June.
The increase in scams on Facebook has sparked outrage among entrepreneurs Yusaku Maezawa and Takafumi Horie, whose images have been manipulated by fraudsters. Both have accused Meta of negligence and are advocating for stricter regulations. In a recent development, four victims have filed a lawsuit against Meta Japan, seeking damages totaling ¥23 million ($150,000).
Meta Japan has claimed to deploy staff and artificial intelligence software to detect and remove inappropriate ads on its platform. However, the company has not responded to requests for comment regarding the current situation.
Regulators worldwide are seeking to rein in the power of major tech companies that control key technologies. Japan's Fair Trade Commission recently took its first antitrust action against Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc., for impeding a competitor's ability to compete. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has also proposed legislation that would penalise big tech firms for unfairly using their influence to block competitors' smartphone app businesses.
In conclusion, the rise of Facebook scams in Japan has prompted a call for stricter online regulations from a prominent lawmaker. The demand for action against Meta Platforms Inc. highlights the need for better protection against social media fraud. Entrepreneurs and victims of scams are joining forces to advocate for stricter regulations and hold Meta accountable for its alleged negligence.
Japanese lawmaker demands stricter online rules for companies like Meta Platforms Inc.
Facebook in Japan has a high number of fake ads, prompting outrage and calls for action
Lawsuit filed against Meta Japan by victims seeking damages
Source: Bloomberg