X rejects Japan request to extend data retention period

ISTANBUL

X, the US-based social media platform, has rejected a request from the Japanese government to extend its data retention period for communication logs, Japanese media reported on Tuesday.

The proposed measure is part of Tokyo’s efforts to counter online defamation and abusive content. X Corp., the platform’s operator, declined the request from the Communications Ministry, citing the high costs of extending data retention beyond the current one- to two-month period, Kyodo News reported, quoting unnamed sources.

Data retention refers to the systematic storage and management of an organization’s data, including personal information, user records, and transaction logs, for a defined period.

The refusal could undermine efforts to identify users behind abusive posts and may prompt the government to consider making data retention mandatory. The request, however, is not legally binding.

In revised guidelines issued last year, the ministry said it is “desirable” for telecommunications operators to retain user data for at least three to six months.

During a meeting late last month, X representatives told ministry officials it would be difficult to comply with the request.

Other major telecom and social media companies, including US tech giants Google and Meta, maintain data retention periods of at least three months, with some extending them in line with the ministry’s guidance.