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J
APAN IS CONFRONTED
with a number of major social prob-
lems that must be addressed by 2010. These include the
declining birthrate, the aging population and a downturn in
the general level of public safety and security. It is hoped that
information and communication technology (ICT), which is
rapidly establishing itself as a core infrastructure of modern
society, can be used to develop genuine solutions to these press-
ing problems.
To this end, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
has developed a policy package describing ubiquitous networking
and how it will be implemented. The policy package is presented
in the form of a report along with other elements, which is based
on the deployment of ubiquitous networking in society by 2010.
The report posits two main objectives for ubiquitous network-
ing – freedom and diversity of information access, and the safety
and security of information access. It considers the development
of a new social infrastructure to support these aims.
Ubiquitous networking is designed to provide all citizens with
instant, ready access to networks, at any time and from any loca-
tion. Ubiquitous networking will generate a whole range of new
goods and services and deliver greater convenience for all. At the
same time, ubiquitous networking also gives rise to a host of
concerns and potential damages in connection with the usage of
ICT that will need to be addressed and satisfactorily resolved.
As part of the effort to create an appropriate ICT environment,
the Ministry has produced a set of guidelines for dealing with a
range of issues associated with the development and utilization
of ubiquitous networking throughout society, known as the
Ubiquitous Network Society Charter.
The Ubiquitous Network Society Charter represents the basis
for the formulation of ubiquitous networking policy by the
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Since the 1990s, ICT has been rapidly growing and is becoming
the motivating force for creating the future society that we all dream
of. The influence of ICT on society, economy, lifestyle and culture
is clear for all to see as it promotes economic growth in a wide
variety of countries. This is encouraging the efficiency of social
systems and talented individuals and corporations to blossom.
As we move into the 21st Century, we have seen the potential for
ICT to grow and an increase in value and application from a variety
of digital networks such as the Internet, mobile networks and digital
broadcasting, to various digital devices such as information appli-
ances, electronic tags and sensors. By focusing on users and making
progress, the flow of the information revolution has made it possi-
ble to realize the “ubiquitous network society” which is the
next-generation ICT society that should be here by 2010.
The ubiquitous network society will enable simple connections
by wireline or wireless, at “anytime, anywhere, anything, anyone”
to the information communications network (hereafter known as
“network”). Through the use of devices and services without
complicated operations and the transmission and use of various
kinds of data, it is possible to share all the knowledge and infor-
mation collected by mankind and give birth to new systems of
value. In other words, a society where everyone can live in a
convenient and happy way will be possible. The wide range of
issues that face us in the 21st Century such as aging and envi-
ronmental problems will be forgotten through the realization of
the ubiquitous society. It will be possible to bring about a lively
society with rich lifestyles in the spiritual and physical sense, and
peaceful activities based on peace in society and the environment.
This will also contribute to individual respect and empowerment.
In the ubiquitous society where all people are connected to the
network, it will be possible to exchange information going beyond
the boundaries of time and distance, making a society with smooth
communication. As a result, it is necessary to secure the safe distri-
bution of information under a highly reliable environment, with
emphasis on the distribution of various types of information based
on free opinions. Harmony on both sides is essential to the sound
development of a new society. While all people should fairly receive
the rights and benefits of the ubiquitous network society, it is
necessary to form a social structure where these roles and respon-
sibilities are fully understood and recognized.
This charter, based on the above concept, is aimed at all people
and aims to draw up the basic rules and shared understanding of
how to use the latent powers of ICT as a valid stage for realizing
the ubiquitous network society. We are sure that the execution of
the policies and actions corresponding to this charter, through
the construction of a shared, cooperative system for regional
society and international society and an effective link between
related parties, holds the key to the sound development of the
global ubiquitous network society.
Chapter 1. Free distribution of a variety of information
Article 1 – Rights concerning the sending and receiving of information
The ability of all people to freely and easily access the network
anytime, anywhere and obtain and share information and knowl-
edge is the key element of the ubiquitous network society.
Everybody accessing the network should be able to share
published information and knowledge, and be able to use these
freely in principle.
Provided it is not against the public interest, we should ensure
that all people can freely and easily connect to the network to
transmit and express themselves via information.
In order for all people to be able to access the network regard-
less of geographical requirements, it is necessary to strive to
eliminate the geographical digital divide (information differences).
Ubiquitous Network Society Charter
Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications