Learn in the textbookOnline Codes of Conduct and Handling Harmful Information
DefinitionThe Information Distribution Platform Response Act (情報流通プラットフォーム対処法) is a law that sets how far the operators (providers) of social media, message boards and similar venues are liable when information infringing someone's rights circulates there, and the procedures for responding to victims.
ExplanationIt was originally called the Provider Liability Limitation Act (プロバイダ責任制限法), and its main provisions free operators from liability for damages when certain conditions are met and give victims a request for disclosure of sender information (発信者情報開示請求) to identify the poster. A 2024 amendment (in force from 2025) gave the law its current name and required large operators such as major social media platforms to handle removal requests promptly and to publish their removal criteria.
AnalogyIt is like requiring the manager of a rental hall to decide in advance when a defamatory flyer on the wall should be torn down, and what steps to follow before giving the victim the contact details of whoever put it up.
Memory hookThe old name's "liability limitation" reflects the idea that operators escape liability for damages (are exempted) when conditions are met, while the new name's "response" reflects the idea of getting operators to act. The change of name mirrors a shift in where the law puts its weight.