Survey: Percentage of Local Governments Supporting Disaster Misinformation Laws Revealed

Nearly three-quarters of Japanese local governments favor legal measures to combat disaster misinformation, according to a recent survey conducted by The Mainichi Shimbun. The poll revealed that approximately 75% of prefectural governments and major municipalities believe regulatory intervention is necessary to address the growing problem of false information during crises.

The survey comes amid increasing concern about the spread of misinformation following several major disasters that have struck Japan in recent years, including earthquakes, typhoons, and flooding events. Officials worry that the rapid circulation of false reports through social media and messaging apps has hampered relief efforts and endangered lives.

“False information during disasters can cause unnecessary panic and misdirect vital resources,” said a prefectural disaster management official who participated in the survey. “When people are already vulnerable, misinformation becomes particularly dangerous.”

Several respondents cited specific examples from recent disasters where false rumors led to confusion. During last year’s earthquake in western Japan, unverified reports about damaged infrastructure and aftershock predictions spread rapidly online, complicating evacuation procedures. Similarly, fabricated information about radiation leaks following a minor incident at a power plant created needless public anxiety.

The push for legal regulation represents a significant shift in Japan’s approach to information management during crises. Traditionally, authorities have relied primarily on public education campaigns and official information channels to counter misinformation, but many officials now believe these measures are insufficient in the digital age.

“The speed at which false information can spread today is unprecedented,” explained a city official from the Kansai region. “By the time we can issue corrections, the damage is often already done.”

The survey also revealed regional variations in attitudes toward regulation. Urban centers with higher population densities and more complex emergency management requirements showed stronger support for legal measures, with nearly 85% favoring regulation. In contrast, some rural prefectures expressed concern about potential overregulation, with support averaging around 65%.

Legal experts have cautioned that any regulatory framework must balance public safety concerns with free speech protections. “While there’s a clear need to address harmful misinformation during disasters, we must be careful not to create laws that could be used to suppress legitimate criticism or reporting,” noted Dr. Haruko Tanaka, a constitutional law professor at Tokyo University.

Other countries have implemented various approaches to combat disaster misinformation. Singapore’s controversial Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act gives authorities broad powers to order corrections or removal of false information. South Korea has established specialized units that monitor and respond to misinformation during emergencies, while maintaining a lighter regulatory touch.

Japan’s communications ministry has formed a working group to study potential regulatory models, with recommendations expected later this year. Options under consideration include requiring social media platforms to implement faster fact-checking mechanisms during declared emergencies, creating a dedicated government agency to counter misinformation, and establishing clearer legal penalties for deliberate spreading of harmful false information.

Industry representatives have urged caution. “Technology companies are already working to improve content moderation during crises,” said a spokesperson from the Japan Association of Digital Businesses. “We believe collaborative approaches between government and industry would be more effective than strict regulation.”

The survey results come as Japan prepares to update its Disaster Management Basic Plan, which outlines national strategies for disaster prevention, response, and recovery. The revision, expected to be completed by early next year, will likely address information management challenges highlighted by the recent Noto Peninsula earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day 2024.

As Japan continues to grapple with its vulnerability to natural disasters, finding effective ways to ensure reliable information during crises remains a critical challenge for both government and society.