Draft Outline of Social Media Regulations Released, US Warns of "100% Tariffs," and More
We bring you news directly impacting daily life, including a new policy requiring safety measures for social media operators, warnings of high tariffs from the U.S., and the issue of removing a massive object washed ashore in Ishikawa Prefecture.
To make social media use safer for children, the Children and Families Agency released a draft outline of regulations on the 26th. Under these guidelines, social media operators will be required to implement protective measures such as age verification and risk assessments. Rather than a uniform age limit like those seen overseas, the aim is to implement effective measures, which may influence rules for internet use in households.
On the 26th, U.S. President Trump announced on social media that he would impose 100% tariffs on countries that levy a "digital services tax" on U.S. IT companies. A digital services tax is a tax on giant IT companies that provide services across borders. If Japan becomes a target, the prices of products exported to the U.S. could rise, potentially impacting corporate performance and our economic environment.
A massive hose approximately 150 meters long, bearing the name of a Chinese company, washed ashore on the coast of Ishikawa Prefecture. Its weight is estimated at about 300 tons, and removal costs are expected to reach approximately 50 million yen. With a significant burden on public funds anticipated, this has become a major challenge for local finances.
A clash between U.S. and Iranian forces has occurred in the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East, leading to a decrease in local shipping traffic. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping route through which much of Japan's oil imports pass. If tensions persist, it could lead to rising gasoline prices and utility costs within Japan.
For more details, visit the "News" section of the app. We also cover the heatwave exceeding 40 degrees Celsius hitting Europe, a suspected small plane crash into a skyscraper in Beijing, and the passport featuring his own portrait released by Mr. Trump.