Issued August 7, 2026 — seven ministries send a written request to major SNS operators
On August 7, 2026, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency announced that it had, jointly with the National Police Agency, Financial Services Agency, Digital Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, issued a written request to large operators of SNS and similar services, asking them to strengthen measures against "impersonation scam ads" on their platforms. Impersonation scam ads are ads that use the name or photo of a real celebrity, company or organization without permission, making it look as if that person is endorsing the offer in order to defraud people of money. What is notable here is that seven ministries and agencies — covering consumer policy, criminal investigation, finance, digital policy, telecommunications, justice and industry — signed one and the same document and made the request at the same time, instead of each acting separately within its own jurisdiction as before. The request is addressed to the platform operators; it creates no new obligation or procedure for users. The detailed content is published in the PDF released by the Consumer Affairs Agency the same day.
No new procedure applies to users, but the practical significance is real. Impersonation scam ads borrow the names and faces of Japanese celebrities, financial institutions and government bodies to manufacture credibility. Foreign residents and visitors who are less familiar with Japanese honorific phrasing, corporate logos and the names of Japanese agencies have fewer clues than Japanese speakers for spotting that fake credibility, which makes them an easier target. Because seven ministries moved at once, SNS platforms may change how ads are shown and reported; until those changes reach you, your own judgement remains the main defence. Be especially wary of ads that funnel you into a LINE or chat group where someone promises guaranteed profits, in Japanese or in your own language. Japan's consumer consultation channels are open to you regardless of nationality or residence status.
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