On October 24, 2025 (Fri), the Japan Trust & Safety Association (JTSA) held the third session of our members-only networking event series, “T&S Social.”
Thanks to the generous support of Intellect Japan, one of JTSA’s observer members, we were able to host this event at their new Tokyo office. Members deeply engaged in the Trust & Safety field gathered to discuss the important theme of “Mental Health in Content Moderation.”
Background
Content moderation refers to reviewing user-generated content and assessing its safety and appropriateness based on guidelines and laws.
Moderators may be exposed daily to violent, graphic, sensitive content, as well as hate speech and misinformation— the exposure can lead to cognitive distortions and emotional strain.
Protecting moderators’ mental health is not only essential for individual wellbeing; it is directly connected to maintaining safe, sustainable operations within organizations.
Session by Intellect Japan
During the session, Intellect Japan shared global insights and practical approaches to moderator mental health, covering topics such as:
- Psychological burdens content moderators face
- Importance of building organizational support systems
- Real-world consequences of mental health issues (reduced productivity, higher hiring costs, impact on team performance)
- Practical processes and strategies for providing care and support
They also introduced an innovative initiative using biometric data to detect early signs of stress, demonstrating the potential of scientific, proactive mental-health support.
Related link: PR TIMES – Development of stress early-warning system by Intellect Japan (Japanese)
In the Q&A session, lively discussions took place around topics including:
- How to support remote content moderators working alone
- How T&S teams can systematize employee support
- Cultural differences between mental-health challenges in Japan and overseas
The discussion reinforced that Trust & Safety relies not only on technology and policy, but also on the structures that protect the people behind them.
Updates from JTSA
As part of the session, we also shared recent JTSA initiatives with members:
- Launch of JTSA’s Moderation Working Group (from Oct 3)
T&S professionals gathered to exchange operational best practices, discuss challenges, and establish shared standards across organizations.
- Report from Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2025
Our Executive Director, Tanaka, presented in Singapore on JTSA’s cross-sector efforts in scam prevention and public-private collaboration.
Networking & Community Exchange
In the second half, members enjoyed light refreshments and active networking.
Discussions naturally continued across the room as practitioners shared real-world challenges and strategies from their organizations.
Participants exchanged:
- Practical insights that can immediately inform on-the-ground operations
- Common struggles and solutions that transcend company boundaries
- Cross-industry perspectives, including input from NGOs and fellow association leaders
The session reaffirmed the value of a space where professionals committed to trust and safety in digital environments can learn from and support one another.
Closing & What’s Next
This event highlighted that the foundation of Trust & Safety lies in supporting the people who protect online spaces.
JTSA will continue fostering knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and community-driven support to help build a safer, healthier, and more resilient digital society.
We look forward to seeing members at the next T&S Social.
Organizations interested in joining JTSA are warmly invited to become part of our growing community.
👉 Learn about membership: https://www.trustsafety.or.jp/howtojoin
