Today, October 1, 2022, the “Amended Internet Service Provider Liability Limitation Law” comes into effect. This makes it easier to request disclosure for defamatory posts on the internet. This article considers the impact of this enforcement, privacy issues, and the necessity of VPNs to address these concerns.
In recent years, cases where victims suffer deep emotional wounds from defamatory posts on Twitter, news media, 2channel bulletin boards, etc., have increased. Defamatory posts have a significant impact on people’s lives and can even affect human life in the worst cases, making them despicable acts.
Due to the increase and emergence of such cases, legal reforms have been progressing, and as of the current article writing date of October 1, the Amended Internet Service Provider Liability Limitation Law, which strengthens measures against defamation, has come into effect.
Many people would think this law is a good thing. I myself strongly agree with it. However, every good thing has side effects as an aspect.
If this law is only used properly to request disclosure for the despicable defamation mentioned above, there is absolutely no problem. However, my opinion and that of some internet users and some experts is that there will inevitably be people who try to abuse this.
From October 1, the Amended Internet Service Provider Liability Limitation Law will be enforced, making it easier to request disclosure of personal information for defamation on the internet. As long as it is used correctly, it is a good thing, but on the other hand, it is expected that speech suppression will progress further as politicians and large corporations can more easily file SLAPP lawsuits.
Everyone, be careful🤐— Mitz (@hellomitz3) September 29, 2022
What is said to be usable to protect oneself from this kind of privacy crisis due to abuse of rights is “VPN” (Wikipedia) such as NordVPN.
VPN bypasses the Internet Service Provider and enables operations on PCs and smartphones to access websites from other countries or regions.
Therefore, VPNs are often used to access websites and videos that are blocked and cannot be viewed from certain countries, and this use is recognized by many users.
Due to its nature, VPN modifies the IP address when accessing websites. As a result, it is also said to be used as a privacy protection tool as a side effect.
So, can you post completely anonymously on the internet by using such a VPN? The answer is “No.”
Many VPN services sell privacy protection and anonymous online activity as their selling point. However, there are exceptions: when there is an investigation by intelligence agencies, or when there is a police investigation or judicial order based on law, they will comply and cooperate by providing necessary information, etc.
These conditions are described in items such as the terms of use and privacy policy of each VPN service.
Taking NordVPN as a representative example of VPN, if you go to the NordVPN top page and scroll to the very bottom of the page, there is an item called “Terms of Service.”
In other words, VPN itself certainly has anonymity. However, at the same time, it means that a mechanism is in place so that if a serious crime occurs, the police are not helpless and victims do not have to cry themselves to sleep.
Internet problems have become apparent in recent years, and legal systems in various countries are in a situation where responses are urgently needed. Defamation and other problems also potentially exist in many cases, including those that are not recognized, and actual victims are emerging, so dealing with these issues, organizing related laws and regulations, and correct understanding and recognition by people are also current challenges.
I sincerely hope that the enforcement of this “Amended Internet Service Provider Liability Limitation Law” will lead to a better future for the internet.
Disclaimer: This is an article based on personal knowledge and consideration, and does not guarantee the accuracy of information. For understanding the latest laws, be sure to refer to primary sources such as the government’s legal database, and in emergencies, consult experts and specialized institutions such as lawyers.