On April 6, 2022, Yahoo! JAPAN ceased providing services to users located within the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United Kingdom, citing operational difficulties in maintaining consistent service quality. The move significantly curtailed access to Yahoo! JAPAN’s offerings for a substantial user base.
According to a notice published by Yahoo! JAPAN, the decision stemmed from a determination that providing a continuous service environment within the EEA and UK had become unsustainable. Even as the majority of services were discontinued, Yahoo! JAPAN specified that certain offerings, including Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! Card, and ebookjapan, would remain accessible, though some functions within Yahoo! Mail were subject to restrictions.
The company advised customers with automatic monthly subscription renewals, such as Yahoo! Premium, to cancel their subscriptions. Users were also cautioned to be mindful of the remaining service periods for any paid services they utilized. The change also impacted individuals planning travel from Japan, as access to services would be restricted when located within the EEA or UK.
Archyde reported on the curtailment of services, noting the significant shift in the digital landscape resulting from the decision. The company’s announcement indicated that access to Yahoo! JAPAN services remained available when accessed from within Japan.
Yahoo! JAPAN did not specify the precise nature of the operational difficulties that prompted the change, nor did it offer a timeline for potential reinstatement of full services within the affected regions. The company expressed its apologies for any inconvenience caused and thanked users for their understanding.
