Japan has approved stricter rules governing social media use during elections, requiring AI-generated images and videos to be clearly labelled. The measures also prohibit the spread of false or misleading information about election candidates to protect the integrity of democratic processes. The new regulations will take effect in March following parliamentary approval.
Internal Affairs Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said the rules are essential to ensuring fair elections and maintaining public trust in the electoral process. The legislation was approved by parliament on July 13 after growing concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence and online platforms during political campaigns. Authorities said the changes aim to reduce the influence of deceptive digital content on voters.
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The new framework follows allegations that AI-generated material was used to smear candidates during the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s 2025 leadership contest and parliamentary elections held in February. Officials believe clearer rules are needed as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable of producing realistic images, videos, and other election-related content.
Unlike the European Union’s Digital Services Act, Japan’s new rules do not include penalties for social media platforms or users who fail to comply. Local media have questioned whether the absence of enforcement measures could limit the effectiveness of the regulations. Officials said the government sought to balance election integrity with freedom of expression.
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The government plans to issue detailed guidelines for social media platforms on implementing the new requirements and will require annual reports on compliance. Japanese officials said the policy reflects an effort to safeguard democratic elections while avoiding regulatory disputes similar to those seen between the United States and the European Union over digital platform rules.