(3) Activities designed to realize a ubiquitous network society

The MPHPT has been holding meetings of the Policy Roundtable for Realizing Ubiquitous Network Society since March 2004. The roundtable is considering the following issues from broad perspectives towards the realization of a ubiquitous network society: (1) broad design of a ubiquitous network society and measures for its realization; (2) measures for developing environments for the creation of new businesses and human resource training; and (3) measures to remedy areas that fall into the dark side of the ubiquitous network society (Figure 1-4-3).

Japan is in a leading position towards the realization of a ubiquitous network society and is expected to actively address various issues, promote international standardization of ubiquitous network technologies in cooperation with other countries, promote network services that originated in Japan, and give form to the benefits that will make people's lives more prosperous, stimulate economies, and contribute to the resolution of social problems. At the same time, Japan is expected to actively promoting the concept of the ubiquitous network society and making its undertakings, experience, and expertise towards the expansion of ubiquitous network societies shared throughout the world.

### 2. Issues Concerning the Realization of a Ubiquitous Network Society

## (1) Issues concerning the realization of a ubiquitous network society

The most common area of insecurity or dissatisfaction with Internet usage among individuals in 2003 was “protection of personal information,” which was mentioned by 55.4% of respondents, followed by “infection by computer viruses” at 43.1%. The most common problem with the use of information and communications networks by businesses was “information security measures” at 66.3% followed by “infection by computer viruses” at 62.9%. Both individuals and businesses believe that ensuring information security including the protection of personal information is the most important issue.

The most frequently mentioned concerning regarding the use of ubiquitous networks was “fraud and unscrupulous methods of business” at 62.7% followed by “leaks and improper use of personal information in the possession of businesses” (59.7%) and “improper access to and use of personal information” (58.2%). Concerns are high about ensuring information security and protecting personal information (Figure 1-4-4).

Experts in the field were asked about “strengths that Japan should extend” and “issues that need to be over-

Figure 1-4-2 Benefits from the Realization of a Ubiquitous Network Society

Characteristics of a Ubiquitous Network Society	Examples	Examples of Benefits
Energetic	Worry-free	Convenient	Exciting
Devices not previous used as information terminals will be made into terminals	o Intelligent home appliances, furniture, houses	o Measure, transmit, and store health data using home appliances	o Monitor the house while out and lock doors using a mobile phone	o Remote operation of home appliances such as confirming refrigerator contents using a mobile phone	o Use a TV for video conferencing with grandchildren at a remote location
Portable terminals that can be used without awareness	o Wearable information terminals	o Collect and store data such as respiration and heart rates while exercising	o Convey information on surroundings to the socially handicapped to ensure safety	o Obtain maps and other information while traveling	o Receive and enjoy music and movies at any time
Networks that can be used without an awareness of connecting	o RFID tags for personal certification. Transmission of personal information and location data	o Identify patients and obtain data without errors to prevent medical accidents	o Ensure security by identifying people entering home and offices	o Operate devices by voice without manual input and access networks	o Issue electronic tickets for concerts, etc. based on personal certification
Further expansion of broadband such as FTTH and 3G mobile phones	o Fixed line and wireless broadband networks	o Centrally manage health image data to allow access from anywhere	o Use high-quality video to convey treatment instructions to ambulance crews	o Participate in video conferences while outside the office	o Watch TV broadcasts on a mobile phone while moving outside
Digitization of information not previously available in digital format	o Transmission of information concerning specific items and location data	o Detect medicines and prevent errors concerning dosages, combinations, etc.	o Use historical data concerning foods to ensure safety	o Attach low-cost RFID tags to items to find them if they are lost	o Devices identify display items in museums and provide explanations