Japan has begun discussions to repeal laws requiring citizens to use storage devices such as floppy disks and compact discs (CDs) to file applications. The country’s digital affairs minister, Karo Tono, will soon end the practice of submitting data through these storage devices in a country known for its technological advancements, a report said. The Japan Timesin a review, the Japanese government found more than 1,900 regulations requiring the use of floppy disks to share data with the government, the outlet added.
The discussion took place on Tuesday at Japan’s 5th Digital Society Concept Conference, held to envision the future of digital government services.
“Where on earth can you buy floppy disks these days? We will review (the rules) immediately,” Mr Tono told a news conference. The Japan Times,
A Document uploaded By the Government of Japan (in Japanese) indicating that the latest technology such as uploading data via the Internet is not described, therefore not allowed, Register A report said.
According to the report, instead of submitting data through storage devices, the Japanese government will create a national ID to allow people to easily access government services. The ID will be called MyNumber, says the register.
Mr. Tono supported plans to address skills shortages in the Japanese government, improve its communications infrastructure, and implement Web3.
Digital Minister declares war on floppy disks.
There are about 1900 government processes that require the use of disks by the business community, i.e. floppy disks, CDs, MDs, etc. To submit application and other forms. A digital agency is going to change the rules so you can use online.– Kono Taro (@konotaromp) 31 August 2022
This is not the first time that the government in Japan has decided to give its services a digital push. In 2021, former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga promised to reduce reliance on the use of seals and fax machines. However, his tenure ended before the promises were fulfilled.
Surprisingly, South Korea, another technologically advanced country, banned the use of ActiveX controls on government websites last year. Register,
