Question from a reader:
I have a question that’s been on my mind. For example, if someone deletes their account on social media and later it turns out they were involved in some incident, is it difficult to identify that person? If the data retention period for social media is 90 days, I believe that unless some action is taken within
90 days of account deletion, it would be tough to identify them. Conversely, if an incident occurs and I want to file a report, but it has been several months since I deleted my account, I think the other person’s account would still exist. What would happen in that case?
Introduction
With the spread of social networking services (SNS), the difficulty of managing personal information has increased. In particular, the procedures and legal challenges involved in identifying individuals who may be involved in incidents after account deletion have garnered interest both within and outside the industry. This article will analyze the legal, psychological, and ethical aspects of SNS account deletion in detail and consider its relevance in the entertainment industry.
Legal Background
The laws regarding SNS account deletion are primarily based on personal information protection laws and contract laws. Given that the data retention period for SNS is 90 days, if an account is deleted, that information will not be retained unless legal action is taken within 90 days. This is a crucial timing for gathering evidence related to incidents. For example, in Japan, the Personal Information Protection Law stipulates that personal data cannot be disclosed to third parties without the individual’s consent. Therefore, if one seeks data after account deletion, it is necessary to go through formal procedures via the police or a lawyer.
Psychological Considerations
The act of deleting an account can have psychological effects. In many cases, deletion is a form of self-defense, stemming from a desire to escape past trauma or anxiety. This is particularly true in the entertainment industry, where managing relationships with fans and privacy can become challenging. For instance, celebrities may delete their SNS accounts after experiencing stalking or having private information leaked online. Moreover, if an incident occurs after deletion, actions taken for self-defense may end up backfiring and putting the individual in a more difficult position. Such psychological conflicts are part of the dynamics brought about by SNS usage, and especially in the entertainment industry, the conflict between public image and private life is pronounced.
Ethical Considerations
The ethical issues surrounding account deletion are varied. First, there is the question of how SNS platforms manage user data. When a user deletes their account, there is a demand for transparency regarding how long that data is retained and how it is used. In the entertainment industry, corporate responsibility is often called into question. For example, while it has become common for artists and actors to interact directly with fans through SNS, there is a risk that this information could be misused. Companies need to build relationships with fans while respecting privacy rights and acting ethically.
Industry Regulations and Contract Law
In the entertainment industry, contract law plays a significant role. Particularly when entering into management contracts with artists, clauses regarding SNS usage and privacy are often included. This clarifies the impact that SNS can have on artists and the rules regarding their interactions with fans. For instance, if a well-known artist causes trouble due to statements made on SNS, the agency may take legal action if those statements violate the contract. In such cases, the specificity of the contract’s content becomes key to resolving the issue.
Privacy Rights and Social Responsibility
Privacy rights are a crucial theme, especially in the context of SNS usage. The extent to which individuals choose to disclose their information is both a personal right and a social responsibility. In the entertainment industry, where attention from fans and media is high, privacy violations often become problematic. For example, if an actor shares personal information through SNS and subsequently becomes a victim of stalking, it may be perceived that the problems arose as a result of their own privacy infringement. In such cases, it is necessary to discuss, from an ethical standpoint, what responsibilities society should demand from them.
Practical Advice
When using SNS, it is important to keep the following points in mind to protect your privacy: 1. Check Privacy Settings: Regularly review your SNS privacy settings to ensure that no unnecessary information is being made public. 2. Be Cautious with Information Sharing: Especially for public figures, it is essential to be careful about the information you share. Since statements can be misinterpreted, it is necessary to scrutinize the content. 3. Understand Contract Terms: If you are active in the entertainment industry, it is crucial to thoroughly understand your contract terms, particularly those related to SNS. 4. Understand Legal Procedures: It is also important to know how to proceed with legal actions in case issues arise after account deletion. Seeking advice from professionals is recommended.
Conclusion
Deleting an SNS account is a complex issue that involves various legal, psychological, and ethical aspects. Therefore, those in the entertainment industry must be aware of their social responsibilities in addition to self-defense and take appropriate actions. As SNS continues to evolve, these issues will become increasingly important. I hope readers will also share their experiences and thoughts.
