June 21, 2024 Request for Responses to Spoofing-type "False Advertisements" on SNS and Other Platforms

 Today, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) requested in writing that large-scale social networking service (SNS) operators respond to spoofing-type “false advertisements” on their platforms.

 On SNSs or other exchange-type platform services, fraudsters use the names, photos, etc., of celebrities or well-known companies, without permission to impersonate them to solicit for investment seminars or business, etc. This type of fraud is called spoofing-type “false advertisements”. These fraudulent advertisements are circulating widely and rapidly, increasing the number of victims of SNS-based investment scams.
 Such spoofing-type “false advertisements” not only lead to financial losses for viewers but may also infringe on the rights of the impersonated individuals, potentially damaging their social reputation. With the advancement of generative AI, this type of fraud may become more complex and sophisticated, making it crucial to implement more effective countermeasures promptly.
 Given that SNSs, etc., have become the social infrastructure that supports people's lives and socioeconomic activities, platform operators are expected to assume a certain level of responsibility for ensuring the soundness of information distribution in the digital space. To prevent further expansion of damage, it is crucial that platform operators take measures to prevent and control the distribution of spoofing-type "false advertisements".
 In light of this situation, the MIC has today requested Meta Platforms, Inc. to implement countermeasures, and also has asked large-scale operators (*) that provide SNSs and other platforms through the Social Media Association of Japan (SMAJ) to take action.

• *
  Member companies of the SMAJ or their affiliates that provide SNSs or other platforms with an average of 10 million or more monthly active users in Japan.