In an effort to bring Japan’s government into the digital era and cut down on red tape, Minister of Digital Affairs Taro Kono has vowed to do away with antiquated technologies like the floppy disk, CD, and MiniDisc.
A Japanese minister has declared “war” on old-fashioned technology, including the humble floppy disk, in a determined bid to drag the government into the digital age.
Almost 2,000 government procedures still rely on the business community using the now obsolete storage devices.
Minister of Digital Affairs Taro Kono said existing regulations would be updated to allow people to use online services.
Digital Minister declares a war on floppy discs.
There are about 1900 government procedures that requires business community to use discs, i. e. floppy disc, CD, MD, etc to submit applications and other forms. Digital Agency is to change those regulations so you can use online.— KONO Taro (@konotaromp) August 31, 2022
He also hopes to eliminate the use of outdated technology such as the CD and MiniDiscs.
“We will be reviewing these practices swiftly”, Mr Kono told a news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday.
He also vowed to get rid of the fax machine during his speech.
He later tweeted: “There are about 1,900 government procedures that require [the] business community to use discs, i.e floppy disc, CD, MD, to submit applications and other forms.
“(The) digital agency is to change those regulations so you can use online.”
A committee found about 1,900 law, government, and ministerial clauses stipulating that specific storage devices, including floppy discs, are used to make administrative applications and keep data, the Japan Times reports.
The government is considering abolishing this requirement to reduce bureaucracy.
Any opposition from ministers or agencies would be “pushed down”, Mr Kono said.
Japanese technology giant Sony halted production of floppy disks after 30 years in 2011.
But their legacy continues, with the square-shaped device still commonly used as the “save icon”.