Internet Usage Guidelines
Privacy Protection
Privacy, even in public spaces, is taken very seriously in Japan. In addition, the vast majority of us work with minors. To that end, it’s recommended that you not post photos or video of others anywhere online, and especially over social networking services (SNS) without their explicit consent or, in the case of minors, the explicit consent of their parents or guardians.
Complaints and Social Network Services
If there are two things that each has its own unique set of problems, they are definitely work and living in a new and unknown culture. In the process of adjusting to both, there are bound to be times when we want to gripe and moan and complain about frustrating events; it’s only natural. However, it is recommended that you not do so over the Internet, including social networking services. Doing so could potentially have some very serious consequences for yourself, any people or institutions that were directly involved, and even people or institutions that were involved indirectly or not at all. At times like these, reaching out to your support network, in Japan and/or at home, could be very helpful. In addition, there are additional support services, such as the AJET Peer Support Group, that you have access to should you need them.
Copyright Infringement
Be careful of transmitting, posting, and distributing information as it pertains to copyright infringement. Using information such as photos, videos, music, illustrations, etc. without the permission of the owner constitutes copyright infringement. This may also include articles from sources such as newspapers and magazines being outside the scope of its use.
Additionally, take care in sharing photographs of others as the other person or persons hold portrait rights, so permission from all individuals is required before use.
Commercially available resources are available for use in many situations which may have terms stating that such resources do not require owner permission for use. However even in such cases, there may be other restrictions that may apply, such as alteration of original appearance of images for example. Do your due diligence to read the terms of such resources if you have need of them.
A popular resource for permission-free illustrations is Irasutoya.
Additionally, take care in sharing photographs of others as the other person or persons hold portrait rights, so permission from all individuals is required before use.
Commercially available resources are available for use in many situations which may have terms stating that such resources do not require owner permission for use. However even in such cases, there may be other restrictions that may apply, such as alteration of original appearance of images for example. Do your due diligence to read the terms of such resources if you have need of them.
A popular resource for permission-free illustrations is Irasutoya.