### 4. Establishment of a barrier-free information environment

The MIC is moving forward with the following initiatives toward establishing a barrier-free information environment in order to realize a world in which everyone, including older people and people with physical and mental challenges, can make use of ICT and enjoy its benefits: “Promotion of and assistance for ICT usage by challenged people,” “Promotion of broadcasts for visually and aurally challenged people,” “Promotion of a universal usage environment,” etc.

### 5. ICT contributions for global environmental problems

The MIC is promoting its “Green ICT Project,” with two pillars: “Green of ICT (greening of ICT system itself)” and “Green by ICT (greening of each field by utilization of ICT).”

Also, considering that the global warming problem is a serious international issue, in order to promote research and development in the ICT field to create inno-

### 6. Development of ICT personnel

Regarding ICT human resource development, the MIC is promoting the “Advanced ICT Human Resource Training Program Development Project” and “Project for Practical ICT Human Resource Development Promotion between Remote Locations.” Amidst global progress in internet use by youth, the MIC also developed its “Internet Literacy Assessment Indicator for Students” (ILAS) in light of experts’ opinions by accurately understanding the Internet literacy needed by youth, while working to adjust for international trends. The Ministry vations that contribute to the reduction of CO $ _{2} $ emissions and improvement of energy efficiency, the MIC is implementing the “ICT Green Innovation Promotion Type Research and Development” under the Strategic Information and Communications R&D Promotion Programme (SCOPE).

conducted a test targeted at high school freshmen in Japan and published the test results in September 2012.

The indicator places emphasis on internet literacy, particularly the ability necessary for making appropriate judgment on information while taking account of morality and the ability to deal with risks and threats that may arise on the Internet.

In addition, the Ministry is working on the "Promotion of e-Net Caravan" and "Enhancement of media literacy."

## Section 6 Promotion of Computerization of Government Services

### 1. Promotion of e-government

## (1) Realization of e-government

In order to identify issues concerning company codes introduction, the MIC, in cooperation with related ministries, agencies and municipalities, conducted demonstration experiments concerning the idea of eliminating requiring attached registration item certificates by using common company codes to link information of government institutions with the aim of identifying issues regarding technical verification and system and operation aspects, etc. with regard to “Investigation Procedure for Qualifications for Participation in Bidding for

### 2. Promotion of e-local government

## (1) Construction of ICT infrastructure for local government organizations resilient against disasters and accidents

### a. Promotion of local government clouds

The MIC is studying local financial measures and standardization of data structures for introduction of local government clouds. It is providing fiscal support for Great East Japan Earthquake disaster areas, and proceeding with initiatives for national deployment of local government clouds.

Goods and Labor of the National Government in FY2010 and with regard to “Investigation Procedure for Qualifications for Participation in Bidding for Business such as Measurement and Construction Consultants” and “Investigation Procedure for Qualifications for Participation in Bidding for Goods and Labor of Local Governments (Prefectures) as well in FY2011. Furthermore, the MIC is working on the “Back Office Collaboration Promotion Project” and “Promotion of Diversification of Means of Access to Administrative Services..

### b. Promotion of Business Continuity and Ensuring Information Security

Considering the lessons of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the MIC published the “Business Continuity Plans of ICT Units in Local Governments (ICT-BCP) Initial Version Sample” in order to ensure smooth implementation of emergency response operations by preparing ICT for crises. In the future, the MIC will disseminate its results nationwide, thereby supporting the formulation of ICT-BCP by local governments and strengthening their ability to respond to crises.