Japan Ends Floppy Disk Use in Government

Japan has officially ended the use of floppy disks in all government systems, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to modernize bureaucracy. Digital Minister Taro Kono, who has been a vocal opponent of outdated technology, announced the elimination of 1,034 regulations governing floppy disk usage, leaving only one related to vehicle recycling. This move is part of broader efforts by Japan's Digital Agency, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, to replace antiquated technologies like fax machines. Despite progress, Japan's digitization initiatives have faced challenges, including setbacks with a contact-tracing app and slow adoption of the My Number digital ID card. The country's reliance on older technologies has been a subject of criticism, but this victory over floppy disks is seen as a step forward in modernization. Kono, with a large following on social media, has been instrumental in pushing these changes forward since his appointment in 2022.