Japan makes cyberbullying punishable by imprisonment

Japan's parliament has passed legislation that makes online mockery a crime.

The country's Penal Code will be amended this summer. If you are accused of online insult, you could face imprisonment or a fine. If you were found guilty of online insults, you could be sentenced to up to 30 days in jail or a fine, but beforehand it was much less severe.

Concerns over social media harassment in the country have been raised. A reality television star died by suicide after being cyber bullied. Many pointed out after Hana Kimura's death that she faced months of such harassment. A man was fined and charged in March of last year.

Japanese officials talked about the dangers of online harassment.

Japan's Penal Code states that insults are defined as publicly degrading someone's reputation without reference to specifics. This is not the same as defamation which involves specifications.

Critics say the bill could limit free speech and condemnation of those in power. Some opponents think that the definition of online insults needs to be different.

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