Social media regulation needed to protect elections, Japanese lawmaker says
By Sachiko Sakamaki ( June 10, 2026, 06:17 GMT | Insight) -- Japanese lawmakers from across the political spectrum have agreed to pursue legal measures aimed at curbing misleading information on social media that could influence elections, reflecting growing concern over the impact of YouTube and social media campaigns on electoral outcomes and public trust in democratic processes. However, uncertainty has emerged over whether the legislation can be enacted before the parliamentary session ends in July, partly because Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing criticism over allegations that her parliamentary office sought assistance from an IT company chief to distribute videos and social media posts criticizing her rivals in online campaigns. Japanese lawmakers from across the political spectrum have agreed to pursue legal measures aimed at curbing misleading information on social media that could influence elections, reflecting growing concern over the impact of YouTube and social media campaigns on electoral outcomes and public trust in democratic processes....
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