Telecom Operators Urged to Strengthen Measures Against Nuisance Calls

Fraud losses have become increasingly serious, with total losses in Reiwa 7 reaching a record 325.7 billion yen, including losses from SNS-based investment and romance scams. This has provided the background for measures based on the recognized harm and circumstances of fraud, including nuisance calls.

The Japanese government is promoting various measures with relevant institutions based on its crime prevention policy decided on April 22, Reiwa 7. Preventing the misuse of communications services is also positioned as an area requiring institutional preparations and cooperation with operators.

Telecommunications operators were urged to implement specific measures to prevent harm from nuisance calls.

In May, Reiwa 8, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications promulgated a partial amendment to the law concerning identity verification and other matters by telecommunications operators, in order to address the misuse of communications services, including nuisance calls. The amendment established a framework for preventing the misuse of communications services through institutional measures.

On July 28, Reiwa 8, the Ministerial Meeting on Crime Prevention formulated the Emergency Measures to Prevent Harm from Nuisance Calls and Stalking in order to implement measures against nuisance calls promptly. The measures are positioned as initiatives based on the circumstances of crime.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications urged telecommunications operators to implement specific measures against nuisance calls, based on government policy, institutional preparations concerning identity verification and other matters, and the emergency measures. The request was made through an industry association.