YouTube Creator Faces Extortion: Accused of Illicit Photos and Private Arrest Threats, Demanding Hush Money.

There have been a series of incidents involving private arrest-style youtubers. Last November, a man was arrested on suspicion of defamation after he exposed an innocent woman online whom he deemed to be reselling tickets at a high price. In the same month, a famous male YouTuber was arrested on suspicion of violating the Methamphetamine Control Law.

“Private arrest-type YouTubers often rely on online information, and their evidence is often weak. Many criticize their actions as excessive, as innocent individuals are exposed, saying ‘it’s going too far.’ In the first place, the authority to make an arrest is generally limited to police officers and prosecutors.

Even if driven by a sense of justice, the actions of private arrest-type YouTubers can be considered excessive. The videos they publish become a digital tattoo and are not easily erased. There is a risk of continuously exposing the faces of innocent people under the guise of ‘private arrest.'” (Same source)

The extreme actions of private arrest-type YouTubers are becoming a social issue, and the police are strengthening enforcement measures.