Key Facts
• May 27, 2025: Human rights lecture held in Niigata City to address online defamation.
• Expert speaker: Associate Professor Shinichi Yamaguchi from the International University.
• 6,463 cases of internet-related complaints reported in 2023, a record high.
• Nearly 60% of complaints involved defamation harming personal reputation or credibility.
• Yamaguchi emphasized the ease of becoming a perpetrator in the digital age.
• Key message: Cultivating respect and moral awareness is crucial in a tech-driven society.
• Niigata Prefecture plans to strengthen awareness campaigns against online defamation.
Summary
A human rights lecture in Niigata City on May 27, 2025, addressed the growing issue of online defamation. Associate Professor Shinichi Yamaguchi from the International University highlighted the psychological harm caused by defamatory remarks on social media. He stressed the importance of fostering respect and moral awareness, especially in a society where technology enables easy information sharing. Government data revealed a record 6,463 internet-related complaints in 2023, with nearly 60% involving defamation. Niigata Prefecture aims to enhance public awareness to combat this issue.
