Victory Amid Deficit: The Internet Defamation Quandary in Japan

A recent court case in Japan highlights the growing issue of internet defamation. Despite winning their lawsuit, the plaintiff faces financial losses due to heavy legal expenses. This situation underscores the severity of violations of online etiquette and the need for a more efficient legal framework dealing with internet slander.

In Japan, cases of internet defamation or cyber harassment are often taken very seriously, given the cultural premium on reputation and preserving face. While the justice system allows for redress through legal action, litigation can often result in a financial deficit due to steep court costs, even for victorious parties.

In contrast to Japan, legal avenues for dealing with internet defamation in the US and the EU often incorporate compensation for legal fees into their judgments, reducing the financial burden on victorious plaintiffs. These systems also increasingly emphasize faster and less expensive resolution of cases through mechanisms such as arbitration or settlements.

Information for Your Country

Find more information about handling online defamation at the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (www.cybercivilrights.org) or the Internet Defamation Removal Alliance (www.internetdefamation.org).