Strict anti-piracy laws take effect in Japan, with violators facing jail time

Under the new legislation they could face up to two years in prison or a maximum of 2 million yen (US$25,700) in fines.

The revision follows a lobbying campaign by Japan's music industry for measures to curb piracy, but critics and local media have expressed concern.

They say the change in the law allows authorities to target any Internet user and could be open to abuse.

However, advocates say charges can only be filed against alleged violators if copyright holders lodge a criminal complaint.

Before the revision, the law punished only those who uploaded unauthorized music and videos, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to 10 million yen.

When the new law was passed in June, websites of the Japanese finance ministry, the Supreme Court and other public offices were defaced or brought down in apparent protest at the change.

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