Momentum Supports the Second Survey on Illegal Content Uploads and Ads by Japan's Private Broadcasters

Momentum's Role in Fighting Illegal Content Uploads

Momentum Corporation, based in Minato, Tokyo, is taking significant steps to address the issues of illegal content uploads on social media and video platforms. Recently, they supported the Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association (JBA) in their second survey regarding illegal uploads and advertising, announced on March 19, 2026.

This survey uncovers the extent to which content from private broadcasters is uploaded without the permission of copyright holders across various platforms. Utilizing their strengths in database management and analytical capabilities, Momentum provided quantitative analyses to identify copyright-infringing YouTube channels and social media accounts alongside understanding the ad placements linked to such illegal content.

Previously, Momentum conducted the first survey on this topic, which gained recognition and citation in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ guidelines for effective advertising distribution.

Survey Overview and Results

The second investigation, carried out between late November to early December 2025, involved searches across popular platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and X. Specifically, it focused on 25 programs produced by five major private TV channels based in Tokyo. Momentum contributed through operator visual confirmations and content searches, unveiling distressing patterns related to illegal content uploads.

(1) The Reality of Illegal Uploads

On YouTube alone, 300 sample accounts were found to have illegally uploaded 15,214 pieces of private broadcaster content, amassing an alarming number of approximately 11.1 billion views. It is estimated that around 3.2 billion yen worth of advertising revenue may have been lost to those engaging in these illicit acts and the platform operators. Comparable instances of illegal uploads were also noted on Facebook, TikTok, and X, suggesting that the severity of the issue is much broader.

(2) Advertising Practices with Illegal Content

Around 680 advertisers were identified as having their ads displayed alongside illegal uploads. Notably, 81 of these were major advertisers, members of the Japan Advertisers Association (JAA). Shockingly, even among publicly listed companies on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, 60 firms (28 of which are major advertisers) were associated with illegal content on YouTube alone, with an additional 98 across other platforms. This occurrence presents a troubling picture of indiscriminate ad placements across industries that contradict the advertisers' intentions.

For more detailed information, you can access the JBA's press release regarding the second survey here.

Momentum's Brand Safety Solutions

Momentum offers the “HYTRA DASHBOARD,” which provides a non-recommendation list for advertising on websites, apps, and YouTube channels. This service includes a “copyright infringement” category in its listings to reference cases where content is likely to infringe rights due to unauthorized distribution by third parties.

The company is determined to leverage its strengths to offer solutions that protect branding and prevent media placements in dubious contexts. The Ministry is taking action to ensure that the unique risks tied to digital ads are addressed, emphasizing the importance of effective advertising distribution guidelines.

Momentum is committed to helping advertisers avoid unintentional funding of illegal activities, thereby establishing a safer advertising environment. To learn more about their services, visit their website here.

About Momentum Corporation

Momentum stands at the forefront of Japan's digital advertising industry as a leader in ad verification solutions, utilizing specialized language analysis technologies and proprietary data for ad fraud detection. Their service is widely employed among domestic advertising agencies and platforms, and they boast partnerships within their Agency Certification Program (ACP) and Platform Certification Program (PCP) with numerous leading companies in Japan. Momentum is on a mission to create a trustworthy infrastructure within the digital society, contributing to the healthy evolution of the digital advertising market.

For more information, feel free to explore Momentum's official site here.