JapanPersonal info posted on forum. Can I demand removal?
Yes, you can demand removal of your personal information posted without consent on a forum under Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI). Operators must comply unless an exception applies.
What the Law Says
Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) gives individuals legal rights to control how their personal information is handled — including when it appears online without consent, such as on public forums.
If your personal information (e.g., name, address, phone number, email, or other data that can identify you) is posted on a forum without your consent, and the operator qualifies as a 'personal information handler' under the APPI, you may request cessation of use or deletion.
Under APPI Section 30, you have the right to demand that a personal information handler 'discontinue the use of' or 'delete' your personal information if its use violates the law or exceeds the stated purpose — for example, if it was posted without your consent or used beyond what you originally agreed to.
The handler must respond to your request without delay and, in principle, within 30 days. If they refuse, they must state the reason in writing.
Failure to comply with a valid request may result in administrative guidance, orders, or fines up to 150,000 yen under APPI Section 82.
Statutory TextA personal information handler shall, at the request of the individual concerned, discontinue the use of personal data or delete it, where the personal data has been obtained or used in violation of laws and regulations or beyond the scope necessary for achieving the purpose of use.
— Act on the Protection of Personal Information, s. 30 — Right to Discontinue Use or Delete Personal Data
Statutory TextThe personal information handler shall respond to the request without delay and, in any case, within thirty days from the day on which the request is received.
— Act on the Protection of Personal Information, s. 30 — Right to Discontinue Use or Delete Personal Data
What to Do
Identify the forum operator (e.g., company name, contact info — often in 'Terms of Service' or 'About Us').
Submit a written request (email or letter) citing APPI Section 30, specifying the personal information and URL(s) where it appears.
Keep proof of submission (e.g., email receipt, certified mail tracking number).
If no response within 30 days, or if refused without valid grounds, file a complaint with the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.