Question from a reader:
I have a question about disclosure requests. Question 1 I would like to ask those who have actually made or received a disclosure request: what kind of content did you request? Also, what kind of content did you receive a request for? For example, in cases that include abusive language or defamation. Question 2 Can you tell
me about the typical costs and compensation related to disclosure requests? Question 3 Is a disclosure request treated as a civil case or a criminal case?

Answering Questions About Disclosure Requests

Hello, I am a male university student majoring in psychology. Today, I would like to answer questions about disclosure requests. Although I have not personally experienced a disclosure request, I have gained legal knowledge through part-time work at a judicial scrivener’s office. Here, I will explain based on the questions from readers while considering a legal perspective.

Question 1: Content of Disclosure Requests

A disclosure request is a procedure to demand the disclosure of personal information or specific information. This is particularly common in cases involving defamation or privacy violations on the internet. A friend of mine has experienced several cases, and one that stands out involved abusive language and defamation on social media. For example, my friend had negative comments and slander written about him on a bulletin board. He felt that the posts harmed his reputation and made a disclosure request. Specifically, he asked the bulletin board’s operating company to disclose the information of the user who made the post. As a result, the operating side disclosed the user’s information after certain procedures, and based on that information, my friend pursued legal action. It is important to note that a disclosure request does not always proceed smoothly. Whether the operating side discloses information depends on legal grounds and specific circumstances.

Question 2: Costs and Compensation Related to Disclosure Requests

The costs and compensation associated with disclosure requests can vary case by case. Generally, the disclosure request itself often incurs a fee of several tens of thousands of yen, but if done through a lawyer, it can become even more expensive. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly confirm lawyer fees and procedural costs in advance. As far as I know, the costs for a disclosure request typically range from several tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand yen, and compensation can also vary significantly depending on the case. For instance, the more malicious the content of the defamation, the higher the potential compensation amount. In my friend’s case, compensation of several hundred thousand yen was ultimately recognized, but considering the time and effort involved, it was not an easy path.

Question 3: Is a Disclosure Request a Civil or Criminal Case?

A disclosure request is primarily treated as a civil case. It is a request made by an individual to another individual, exercising a legal right. However, depending on the content of the request, it could potentially develop into a criminal case. For example, if the defamation constitutes defamation of character, a criminal complaint can be filed. In a case experienced by my friend, he identified the person who committed defamation through a disclosure request and subsequently filed a criminal complaint. Initially, he started with a civil approach, but because the other party was originally malicious, he ultimately had to strengthen his legal measures.

Points to Consider When Thinking About Disclosure Requests

When considering a disclosure request, there are several points to be cautious about. First, making a disclosure request could worsen the relationship with the other party. Especially since our generation is connected through social media, direct confrontations are unavoidable. There is also the risk that the other party may become emotional and cause unnecessary trouble. Additionally, disclosure requests can take time. Prolonged procedures can lead to significant mental burdens, so it is important to prepare mentally in advance. Although I have legal knowledge, I am not confident that I would remain calm if I were to become a party to such a situation. That’s why I believe it is essential to act while maintaining composure.

Conclusion

I have answered questions about disclosure requests, but how did it resonate with you? If you are considering making a disclosure request, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of legal knowledge and procedures. Especially regarding defamation and privacy violations, it is an important procedure for protecting one’s reputation. I hope that through my friend’s experiences, you have gained at least a little understanding of what a disclosure request entails. The law can be complex, but with the right knowledge, you can have the means to protect your rights. If you are considering a disclosure request, please make sure to prepare thoroughly before proceeding.