Sexual content lures accidental taps — complaints about ‘unpleasant ads’ on the internet doubled in a year, with cases also hitting a record high

Japan’s advertising watchdog JARO said complaints in fiscal 2025 hit a record 12,589, the highest ever.

Internet ads drove the surge, accounting for more than 60% of all complaints.

Users objected especially to sexual content, offensive visuals, and ad designs that encourage misclicks.

The trend could intensify distrust in digital advertising and fuel calls for tighter rules or self-regulation.