Japan Internet service providers urged to block pirate sites

Closeup hand are using laptops (Dreamstime/TNS)

The Japanese government on April 13 decided to call on Internet service providers operating in the nation to block access to “pirate websites” that allow users to read manga and magazines for free online. 

The urgent measure is to protect the rights of creators. It was decided at a joint meeting of the government’s Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters and Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measures Against Crime. The government will ask providers to take voluntary action as a temporary measure until a relevant legal framework is established.