NHK has learned that a Japanese music industry association is taking legal action against "leech sites" that facilitate access to illegally uploaded content.

Japan implemented stricter measures against digital piracy in 2020. Operating leech sites and posting links to pirated content are subject to criminal charges.

The association's move marks the first time for an industry group to take specific measures against music piracy.

The Recording Industry Association of Japan, consisting of 65 firms including major record labels, says leech sites that allow free downloads of J-POP and other pirated content have become increasingly popular in recent years.

The association is working with lawyers and research firms to take legal action against multiple leech sites for copyright violations.

Because many of the websites use overseas servers, the association has taken judicial steps abroad.

Last month, the name and IP address of a J-POP leech site operator was disclosed for the first time.

The association plans to identify the operators of other leech sites and take strict measures, including filing criminal and civil complaints.