Question from a reader:
It was written that I only need to enter my address on a site to find out the price of my home, but it also mentioned a visit at the end, which I think is contradictory. I have been ignoring their calls, but is it possible for them to visit unexpectedly? Also, is it okay to ignore
them or block their calls?
Introduction
Recently, there has been an increase in services that allow users to check the price of their homes. These services provide convenience by enabling users to easily grasp the market value of properties by entering their addresses. However, as the questioner points out, if the terms of service include a clause about “visits,” users may become confused. This article will explore the legal, psychological, and ethical aspects of such situations, providing explanations through specific examples and practical advice.
Legal Background
First, let’s look at it from a legal perspective. Contracts that users agree to when utilizing services typically include clauses related to privacy. Under Japan’s Personal Information Protection Law, businesses have an obligation to handle users’ personal information appropriately. Therefore, if a visit is necessary, it is required to clearly inform users in advance. Even if there is a possibility of a visit, visiting without prior notification could likely be considered illegal. Specifically, it could lead to legal issues such as trespassing or stalking. Thus, ignoring or blocking calls is not considered a legal problem.
Psychological Aspects
Next, let’s consider it from a psychological perspective. Anxiety or fear about being visited can be a source of psychological stress. Particularly, the presence of others in one’s private space, such as home, can create a sense of psychological pressure for many people. In such situations, psychological mechanisms for self-defense come into play. People may take actions such as ignoring or rejecting others to protect their boundaries. If users feel anxious and consequently choose to ignore calls, this can be seen as a form of self-defense and a psychologically healthy response.
Ethical Considerations
From an ethical standpoint, this issue is also significant. Companies have a responsibility to maintain transparency with their customers and provide honest information. If there is a possibility of a visit when using the service, clearly indicating that risk is essential for building trust with customers. Ethical issues relate to the respect for individual privacy, and particularly in the entertainment industry, actions that infringe on the privacy of fans or the general public should be avoided. Companies should prioritize privacy protection to gain the trust of their customers.
Regulatory Environment
Next, let’s examine the regulatory environment. In Japan, in addition to the Personal Information Protection Law, there may be other relevant laws such as the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions and the Electronic Contract Act. These laws are established to protect consumers, and there are strict regulations regarding door-to-door sales and solicitations. For example, unsolicited door-to-door sales are illegal, and there is an obligation to notify in advance. Based on such laws, companies need to provide appropriate information to customers. Since ignoring or blocking calls is not legally problematic, consumers can feel secure in taking such actions.
Practical Advice
Here are some practical pieces of advice. First, it is important to thoroughly check the terms of service and privacy policy before using a service. If the terms include “visits,” it is necessary to understand under what conditions a visit may occur. Next, if you are visited unexpectedly, it is important to handle the situation calmly. It is common to feel anxiety or tension when someone visits your home, but it is crucial to verify whether the visitor has a legitimate reason for being there. If you feel uncomfortable, it is advisable to decline the visit or contact the office for confirmation. Additionally, ignoring calls or messages and blocking calls are legally acceptable, allowing you to respond at your own pace. However, continuously ignoring calls may lead to a deterioration of your relationship with the caller, so it is advisable to communicate appropriately when necessary.
Conclusion and Practical Takeaways
In this way, the possibility of visits in services that check home prices involves many legal, psychological, and ethical aspects. As users, it is important to understand the conditions of service use and take actions to protect one’s rights. Finally, I encourage all readers to deepen their understanding of the possibility of home visits and their privacy rights, and to take action to protect their own rights. If you have questions or opinions, please feel free to share them in the comments. We wish to continue learning together to deepen our knowledge and build a better society.
