September 17, 2020

The Japan Meteorological Agency on September 16 announced its decision to suspend ads from being shown on its website on the grounds that it found inappropriate ad content. It was only a day after the agency implemented its plan to place ads on the website in defiance of public criticism.

The concern about illegal or inappropriate ads has been pointed out since the agency in July announced a plan to earn outside income from online ads to help cover the cost of maintaining the website.

In response to this concern, the agency explained that its home page will not carry inappropriate advertisements which are, for instance, misleading or in conflict with the law. However, it has turned out that the agency cannot check ad content beforehand as its website ad project is outsourced to online ad firms.

Miyazaki Takaaki, vice chair of a labour union organizing workers in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism and the Japan Meteorological Agency, said, “What we had been concerned about has become a reality. We once again urge the agency to cancel its plan to display ads on its website.”

The union, which is affiliated with the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren), on September 16 released a statement stating that the Meteorological Agency’s move to seek outside sources of income indicates that the national government is failing to fulfil its financial responsibility. The statement stressed, “Together with the general public, we will pressure the government to ensure financial support for the Meteorological Agency which provides a public service.”

Past related articles:
> Gov’t employee union criticizes Meteorological Agency’s plan to place ads on its website [September 12, 2020]
> Gov’t policy to downsize Meteorological Agency hinders volcano monitoring [February 12, 2018]