Kobe police have referred a 29-year-old company worker to prosecutors for allegedly violating Japan’s revised antistalking law. The man is accused of attaching a loss prevention tag to the bicycle of a female acquaintance without her consent.
New Law, First Case
The revised antistalking law, which went into effect on December 30, specifically bans the use of tracking devices to gather information about a person’s location without their permission. This case marks the first time law enforcement has taken action following an alleged violation of the updated legislation.
According to police, the man admitted to the alleged offense, stating, “I like her and wanted to know where she went.” He is alleged to have used the tracker to obtain the woman’s location information on three separate occasions, beginning on January 26.
What Could Happen Next?
Prosecutors will now review the evidence and decide whether to file formal charges against the man. A possible next step could involve an investigation into the specifics of the tracking device used and the extent of the location data collected. If charged, the man could face legal penalties under the revised antistalking law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the alleged crime?
Police allege the man attached a loss prevention tag to a woman’s bicycle without her consent to track her location.
When did the revised antistalking law take effect?
The revised antistalking law was enforced on December 30.
Has anyone been prosecuted under this law before?
This is the first case of law-enforcement authorities taking action against an alleged violation of the revised legislation since its entry into force.
As technology continues to evolve, how can laws effectively balance privacy concerns with the desire for personal safety?
