The Japanese government has refused to rule out the possibility that it will geoblock online casino platforms, despite reservations from critics.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications commissioned a panel of experts to look into the matter in April last year, the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported.
The experts returned a report, stating that geoblocking would be an “effective” measure to prevent online casino use.
They called on the government to “consider” geoblocking “as an option” to fight online gambling.
Police have previously claimed that the vast majority of Japanese online casino activity is carried out on a handful of offshore platforms that actively target Japanese speakers.
Accessing online casino sites from Japanese territory is a criminal offense. Courts have the power to jail repeat offenders.
Japanese Experts Want Online Casinos Blocking Orders
At present, the government only allows geoblocking measures for sites linked to child pornography.
Cyberpolice typically issue these geoblock orders to domestic telecommunications companies (internet service providers), who are legally obliged to comply.
Despite calls to use geoblocking to fight other forms of illegal activity, the government has so far been loath to consent.
Critics say forcing ISPs to block more websites will require operators to monitor their customers’ web activities on a near-constant basis.
And this, they say, will lead to creeping censorship.
But the panel found that most people and organizations it consulted with favor geoblocking.
It spoke to 236 companies, public bodies, and individuals, with around two-thirds favoring blocking measures.
Proponents of geoblocking told the panel that the measures would “reduce the chances of young people accessing gambling sites.”
Other advocates said that the “deterrent effects” of measures such as the threat of criminal prosecution were “approaching their limits.”
Privacy Warning
Critics, however, warned that geoblocking would lead to a loss of privacy and restrict web users’ rights.
The panel, meanwhile, spoke of the “necessity and effectiveness” of geoblocking and touted its potential “social benefits.”
The newspaper said the government will use the report as a reference when it deliberates on additional anti-gambling measures.
A final decision is expected in the fall.
Ministry officials have also spoken of alternatives to geoblocking, including establishing criminal liability for social media users who post links to online casino sites.
Experts also say the government should consider requesting countries that host overseas casino sites to block access requests from Japan.
While online casinos remain illegal, work is underway on the country’s first integrated casino-resort.
Tokyo says it will approve applications for up to two more casino-resort projects.
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The Japanese government has refused to rule out the possibility that it will geoblock online casino platforms, despite reservations from critics. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications commissioned a panel of experts to look into the matter in April last year, the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported. The experts returned a report, stating that
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