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Japan has introduced new regulations to curb misinformation and ensure fair elections, requiring all AI-generated images and videos used in political contexts to be clearly labeled.
The rules, approved by parliament on Monday and set to take effect in March, also prohibit the spread of false or misleading information about election candidates across social media platforms.
Internal Affairs Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the importance of the move, saying it is crucial to maintaining electoral integrity and public trust.
The decision follows concerns over the misuse of AI-generated content during recent political events, including a 2025 leadership contest within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and parliamentary elections earlier this year.
However, unlike stricter regulations in the European Union, Japan’s framework does not include penalties for non-compliance. This has raised questions among analysts and local media about how effective the measures will be.
Reports suggest the softer approach may reflect Tokyo’s effort to avoid tensions similar to those between the United States and the EU over enforcement of the Digital Services Act.
To support implementation, the government plans to issue guidelines for social media platforms and require annual reports on their compliance efforts.
Officials say the policy aims to strike a careful balance between protecting free speech and safeguarding democratic processes.
