There are hardly any days when we do not use the internet in our daily lives.
While looking at various pages and social media, what naturally catches our eye are online advertisements. You might be intrigued by attractive phrases and images related to products. But is the content of those ads really true…?
A seminar titled “Consumer Seminar to Protect You: Understanding and Dealing with Online Advertisements” was held on January 24, 2026 (Saturday) at Geibunkan Hall in Kurashiki, where participants learned about the types of online advertisements and what to be careful about when shopping online.
Here is a report on the day's events.
What is the “Consumer Seminar to Protect You: Understanding and Dealing with Online Advertisements”?
The “Consumer Seminar to Protect You: Understanding and Dealing with Online Advertisements” was held on January 24, 2026 (Saturday) at Geibunkan Hall in Kurashiki.
This seminar was part of the Consumer Affairs Agency's project to enhance awareness of the activities and injunction system of qualified consumer organizations.
What are Qualified Consumer Organizations and Specific Qualified Consumer Organizations?
Organizations recognized by the Prime Minister of Japan as having the necessary qualifications to exercise the right to seek injunctions to protect the interests of unspecified and numerous consumers.
What is an “Injunction”?
A system that allows qualified consumer organizations to demand that businesses cease unfair practices such as “unjust solicitation,” “unjust contract terms,” and “unjust representations.”Source: Consumer Affairs Agency | We Protect Your Property: Consumer Organization Litigation System
The seminar was conducted in a hybrid format with both in-person and online participation, with a total of 29 participants of all ages attending in person and 15 participating online.
Activities of Qualified Consumer Organizations: Exhibition/Online Advertisement Check Quiz
After checking in and entering the venue, the first thing that caught my eye was the “Exhibition of Qualified Consumer Organization Activities.”
The qualified consumer organization “Consumer Network Okayama,” which organized the seminar, displayed actual consumer trouble cases known as “dark patterns” on panels for easy understanding.
Dark Patterns
Techniques that use the design, advertising, and mechanisms of websites and apps to lead consumers to make unintended disadvantageous choices (such as unnecessary expenses, unwanted information disclosure, or involuntary contracts).
Before entering the seminar, there was also a “Online Advertisement Check Quiz.”
Using an example of a diet supplement advertisement displayed on a smartphone, it was a quiz to see if participants could accurately read the advertisement's content.
In the part that asked, “Q2: How much is the second time?” I thought, “Is it 5,500 yen?” However, upon reading the fine print of the online advertisement very carefully, it stated, “From the second time onwards, a regular course of 3 bags will be delivered,” and in reality, it was 5,500 yen × 3 bags = 16,500 yen.
…I was completely deceived.
About Consumer Network Okayama
Consumer Network Okayama, a qualified consumer organization in Okayama Prefecture, is a non-profit organization established on June 6, 2007, with the aim of becoming a qualified consumer organization. Since its establishment, it has engaged in activities such as the following:
- Conducting consumer consultation sessions
- Activities to request improvements regarding unfair contract terms from businesses
- Awareness-raising activities to prevent consumer damage, etc.
Moreover, it was recognized for its continuous activities to protect the interests of unspecified consumers (acts to protect and support the rights and dignity of vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and disabled), and on December 8, 2015, it was certified as the 13th qualified consumer organization by the Cabinet Office.
Lecture: Consumer Seminar to Protect You
The lecturer for the seminar was Yuri Harada, Director of the EC Network. EC Network is focused on receiving consumer consultations regarding internet transactions online and providing advice for resolution.
The main theme of this lecture was “Let’s Improve Our Internet Literacy.”
Literacy
The ability to understand, interpret, and appropriately utilize knowledge in a specific field.
Simply knowing about the internet “somewhat” indicates low internet literacy. Low internet literacy makes one more susceptible to harm. This lecture was packed with various information that Harada-san shared.
The content included the following:
- Points to consider when installing smartphone apps
- About phishing damage
- Checkpoints for online shopping
- What you thought was a trial turned out to be a subscription, etc.
I was reminded, “Ah, that’s right. I need to be careful,” particularly regarding the checkpoints for online shopping.
Online shopping, which we use daily as if it were normal, is very convenient. It is important to check crucial parts in advance to ensure safe shopping.
For example, you should check the following:
- Return Policy (for personal reasons)
There is no cooling-off period for online shopping. - Contact Information
Do not transact with sites that do not have a phone number. It is inconvenient for businesses to handle phone inquiries. - Payment Methods and Delivery Timing
Important checkpoints. Check the bank transfer branch name and account holder as well. etc.
You will realize that there are surprisingly many items you need to judge for yourself.
Terms of service are often lengthy and not very appealing to read… However, they contain very important information, so it is crucial not to overlook them. Additionally, it is important to save the screen (screenshot) as well.
Consumer Trouble Consultation
After the lecture, two lawyers and two judicial scriveners were available for a consumer trouble consultation.
Injunction System of Qualified Consumer Organizations
A representative from Consumer Network Okayama spoke about the injunction system of qualified consumer organizations as follows.
There are 26 organizations nationwide that are qualified consumer organizations. The injunction system is a system that prevents numerous consumer damages through the voices of individual consumers.
To initiate an injunction, it is important to first provide information from consumers. “You are the main character.” Let’s turn the frustrating feelings when encountering consumer troubles into the power to change societal rules!
Conclusion
Harada-san's lecture was consistently clear and presented in an engaging manner. For those attending the seminar, it was approachable and memorable.
Additionally, the content of the lecture covered both classic topics (such as phishing scams) and the latest issues like online gaming and fan activities, making it very comprehensive. This lecture provided a thorough understanding of how to deal with online advertisements.
I wanted to recall the content of the lecture when I see online advertisements or shop online.
Data on the Consumer Seminar to Protect You: Understanding and Dealing with Online Advertisements
| Name | Consumer Seminar to Protect You: Understanding and Dealing with Online Advertisements |
|---|---|
| Date | January 24, 2026 (Saturday) from 12:00 PM to 4:10 PM |
| Location | 1-18-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | Consumer Network Okayama |
