Controversy Over Japanese App Sharing and Storing "Consent to Sexual Activity" via QR Code

Controversy Over App Recording Sexual Consent
"Eliminating the Inconvenience of Paper Sexual Consent Forms"

An application that can record 'consent to sexual intercourse' has been developed in Japan, sparking controversy.

The app is called 'Kiroku' (Record). After downloading the app on a smartphone, users check the consent form and press 'Agree,' which generates a QR code. This QR code can be shared with the other party and is automatically saved in the app as a record.

A representative from Kiroku explained, "It can eliminate the inconvenience of having to write names and seal on paper to create a sexual consent form," adding, "Since it has been reviewed by a professional lawyer, it can be used as evidence in legal disputes."

An application that allows users to record consent to sexual intercourse has been developed in Japan, sparking controversy.
[Photo by 'Kiroku', a sexual consent app]

The app was scheduled to be released this month, but after concerns were raised that 'records of forced consent to sexual acts could help criminals avoid punishment,' the developer postponed the release until later this year.

A company representative stated, "We will enhance security features to prevent misuse and adjust functions, such as adding a feature to provide relief when forced consent is recorded."

Regarding the app development, Japanese netizens have shown various reactions, including "It seems like people can have sex with peace of mind" and "It is dangerous if someone is forced to press agree due to threats."

Controversy over Not Guilty Verdict for Father Who Sexually Assaulted Daughter... Background of App Release

The release and response to this app are related to a sexual assault verdict that shook Japanese society in 2019.

In June, Japan passed a revision to the Penal Code that changed the name of the crime of rape to 'non-consensual sexual intercourse crime' and expanded the scope of sexual offenses.

The legal revision was prompted by four not guilty verdicts for sexual assault in 2019. At that time, the Nagoya District Court acquitted a father who sexually assaulted his daughter, stating that "the victim was not in a state of being unable to resist significantly," which led to protests demanding legal reform.

Meanwhile, globally, awareness that 'sexual acts without consent constitute sexual violence' is increasing, and countries are moving to legislate accordingly. Currently, 13 countries in Europe, including Germany, Belgium, and Denmark, have introduced non-consensual rape laws. Outside Europe, countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia also punish sexual violations against the victim's will as rape or similar crimes.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.