Fraudsters are increasingly exploiting the online advertising industry in Japan. An alarming upswing has been observed in fraudulent activities designed to unlawfully siphon off internet advertising budgets. Cybercriminals instigate their schemes primarily by generating fake clicks and impressions or creating fictitious websites. Authorities are alerted to the gravity of the situation and are taking steps towards addressing this crime wave. The financial and reputational damages to businesses are substantial, fuelling a pressing need for advanced and effective countermeasures.
In Japan, online conduct is considered an extension of societal behaviour. Consequently, such internet scams are considered seriously as they not only involve financial losses but also breach societal norms of trust and integrity. While law enforcement agencies are continuously working to combat cybercrime, businesses and consumers are also encouraged to stay informed about recognizing scams to protect themselves effectively.
Much like in the US and EU, internet ad fraud is a pressing issue in Japan. Authorities in the US and EU have been rigidly cracking down on such fraudsters for years, implementing sophisticated counter-fraud mechanisms and stringent policies, like GDPR in the EU. While the issue is similarly urgent in Japan, the country is currently striving to catch up in terms of implementing robust cybersecurity and anti-fraud mechanisms.