Question from a reader:
I mistakenly set my birthday to this month in the Anker app and received a 1000 yen OFF coupon. If I use this, will it be considered a crime? Also, I accidentally tapped the coupon, so I deleted my account and recreated it. Will this also be a problem?
Introduction
Conducting a thorough analysis of the legal
aspects, psychological approaches, and ethical considerations in response to reader questions is crucial for understanding the complexities within the entertainment industry. In particular, the legal issues surrounding coupons obtained due to a birthday setting error and account recreation need to be explained appropriately, as many people may face similar situations.
Legal Background
The legal issues arising from receiving a coupon due to mistakenly setting a birthday relate to contract law and fraud/unjust enrichment. Generally, coupons and promotions offered by companies represent a form of contract established between the business and the customer. If a customer inputs incorrect birthday information, the validity of the contract must be considered.
Contract Law Perspective
Under contract law, the formation of a contract requires an offer, acceptance, and consideration. If the act of setting a birthday is based on an agreement with the company, the provision of the coupon can be interpreted as part of that contract. However, if a contract is formed based on incorrect information, that contract may be deemed invalid. This means that using the coupon is not necessarily fraudulent, but the company retains the right to refuse its use.
Privacy and Personal Information Protection Law
Regarding the act of deleting and recreating an account, there are points to consider, particularly from the perspective of personal information protection. In Japan, under the Personal Information Protection Law, companies have an obligation to manage users’ personal information appropriately. When a user deletes an account, that information should be processed properly, and how new personal information will be used during recreation becomes an issue.
Psychological Perspective
The psychological aspects related to the use of coupons and promotions cannot be overlooked. There is extensive research related to consumer behavior, and it is necessary to consider how emotional elements, such as birthday benefits, affect consumers’ willingness to purchase.
Psychological Impact of Birthday Benefits
Birthday benefits create a sense of specialness for customers and can enhance their self-worth. Therefore, utilizing coupons related to birthdays provides psychological satisfaction that goes beyond mere economic benefits. This allows customers to feel “special,” contributing to increased customer loyalty.
Ethical Framework
From an ethical standpoint, the question arises as to whether the use of incorrectly entered birthday information should be permitted. Ethically, companies should maintain transparency with customers and have a policy that does not consider gains from incorrect information as unjust.
Regulatory Situation
Regulations in the entertainment industry are strictly defined, particularly by laws related to marketing and advertising. Providing benefits based on incorrect information to customers may violate consumer protection laws and advertising regulations, necessitating that companies adopt appropriate marketing strategies to avoid such issues.
Practical Advice
Here are some practical pieces of advice for readers who may face such situations.
Things to Check Before Using a Coupon
First, it is important to thoroughly check the terms of the coupon before using it. Birthday benefits often have set usage periods and conditions, so confirming availability is necessary.
Account Management
If an account is deleted, it is essential to understand how new personal information will be handled upon recreation. Reviewing the privacy policy and understanding how information will be used is crucial.
Contacting the Company
If there are any uncertainties, directly contacting the company is also a viable option. Clarifying questions regarding incorrect birthday information or coupon usage can help prevent potential issues.
Conclusion
The legal risks associated with mistakenly setting a birthday and using a coupon are limited, but it is important to consider ethical and psychological aspects. Companies are required to build trust by being transparent with customers and adopting appropriate marketing strategies. Consumers, too, should understand how their actions are evaluated legally and ethically and make responsible choices. I encourage readers to share their thoughts on this issue and any other experiences they may have had. I hope we can all think together and deepen the discussion to understand the legal and psychological complexities within the entertainment industry.
