Japan to Strengthen SNS Age Verification and Safety Measures; US Warns of 100% Tariffs
Age verification and safety measures are expected to become stricter when using social media in Japan. Additionally, changes in U.S. tariff policies and the situation in the Middle East may impact future prices and logistics.
Protective measures such as age verification will be strengthened to ensure the safety of children using social media. On the 26th, the Children and Families Agency (the government office serving as the command center for child policy) compiled a draft outline of a report requiring social media operators to assess risks threatening children's safety and perform age verification. Unlike the blanket age restrictions seen in some other countries, the content encourages operators to implement appropriate measures.
In the future, there is a risk that 100% tariffs could be imposed on exports to the United States, affecting Japan's economy and prices. On the 26th, U.S. President Trump warned that 100% tariffs would be applied to all imports from countries that impose a "digital services tax" (a tax on the sales of IT companies, etc.) on U.S. companies. As discussions on digital taxation are also progressing in Japan, future actions by the U.S. will be closely watched.
Concerns are growing that military conflicts in the Middle East will affect crude oil prices and cargo ship operations. U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes on Iranian missile storage facilities and other targets in retaliation for attacks on cargo ships. Although the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum in June to end the fighting, Trump criticized the recent airstrikes as a "violation of the agreement," and the situation remains unstable.
In addition, details regarding reports of a small plane crashing into Beijing's tallest building and news of a record-breaking heatwave hitting Europe are available in the news section of the app.