Silviase/jgov_v1.4_full_ann huggingface dataset:
## (2) Analysis of the correlation between anxiety and ability to utilize information

Figure 2-2-1-6 is a mapping of the three factors “ability to utilize information,” “degree of understanding of Internet security issues,” and “overall level of anxiety regarding Internet use” by age group. In this mapping, the horizontal axis indicates “degree of understanding of Internet security issues,” the vertical axis “ability to utilize information,” and the size of the circles represents overall level of anxiety regarding Internet use, with the bigger circles indicating higher levels of anxiety. Overall, higher ability to utilize information and understanding of Internet security issues are correlated with lower anxiety levels. In particular, people aged 60 and above have low ability to utilize information and understanding of Internet security issues compared with other age groups, and correspondingly high levels of anxiety.

It is clear that levels of anxiety regarding ICT utilization can be lowered by boosting individuals' ability to utilize information. Also, even among people with low levels of ability to utilize information, ICT-related anxieties can be allayed by raising levels of understanding of security issues. It can be inferred that boosting both ability to utilize information and understanding of security issues is an effective means of allaying anxieties about Internet use.

### 2. Perceptions of ICT application by children and parents

A survey was conducted examining parent-child interactions pertaining to ICT safety and security, as well as potential discrepancies between parents’ and children’s perceptions of ICT issues $ ^{14} $ .

## (1) Children's ICT utilization

A survey of children’s ICT utilization by type of use and age group (elementary, junior high school, high school) shows that overall, the most common type of use is “viewing of websites” (68.8%), with higher age groups correlated to higher rates of utilization. The second most common type of use was “listening to music and viewing videos,” at 49.0%, with a similar correlation between increasing age and rising rate of use seen. Online games were played by around 30% of children in all age groups. Overall ICT use, encompassing the aforementioned categories and others, shows a tendency to diversify with increase in age.

Looking at children’s ICT use overall, it was found that as age increases, ability to utilize information rises and types of use diversify. All in all, it can be said that among elementary, junior high and high school students, increasing age is correlated with growing ICT proficiency.

In terms of children’s anxieties regarding ICT use,

Figure 2-2-1-6 Analysis of ability to utilize information, understanding of security issues, and anxieties by user segment (by age group)

(Source) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Survey on Safety and Security in an ICT Utilization Society" (2011)
Figure 2-2-1-9 “Talking together and agreeing on rules for Internet use”

(Source) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Survey on Safety and Security in an ICT Utilization Society" (2011)

Figure 2-2-1-11 Children's and parents' ability to utilize information effectively

(Source) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Survey on Safety and Security in an ICT Utilization Society" (2011)

children’s level of anxiety.

The separate responses of elementary, junior high and high school students all indicated that “parents and family” are the most effective means of allaying children’s anxiety. Parents’ understanding of security issues influences children’s level of anxiety because it is on parents that children depend most. However, for junior high school students and above, while “parents and family” was the most common response, the percentage giving this response fell in comparison to that of the younger age group. Also, elementary, junior high and high school students differ widely in the ways they utilize ICT, with use diversifying as children grow older. Integrating the above findings, we may conclude that while parents have the greatest capability to allay their children’s ICT anxiety, the older children become, the stronger the influence of other factors besides parents becomes.

On the issue of whether it is necessary to provide children with knowledge about Internet security issues, 94.4% of parents responded that it was “necessary” or “somewhat necessary,” indicating that the necessity of

Figure 2-2-1-10 Perception gap between parents and children regarding “talking together and agreeing on rules for Internet use”

(Source) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Survey on Safety and Security in an ICT Utilization Society" (2011)

Figure 2-2-1-12 Parents' and children's understanding of online safety

(Source) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications “Survey on Safety and Security in an ICT Utilization Society” (2011)

teaching children about Internet security issues is felt by the vast majority of parents.

As to the question of who ought to provide children with such knowledge, the most common response was “parents and guardians” (78.6%). In second place was “their school” (46.1%), and in third place “they ought to learn by themselves” (32.9%). It appears that while most parents recognize themselves as primarily responsible for providing children with Internet security knowledge, a great many see the need to supplement this with efforts by schools and the children themselves.

As they grow older, children increasingly rely on others besides parents for advice, and parents as well expect their children to have other opportunities for learning about security issues besides those provided by "parents and guardians." This illustrates the importance of providing a variety of opportunities for children to learn about security issues outside the home, such as in school, etc.

The survey findings showed that children’s levels of anxiety regarding ICT are lower than those of their par-
Section 2

# Bridging the Digital Divide 1. The digital divide and the need for its elimination

The “digital divide” refers to the gap between people who can access and use information and communications technology (ICT) such as the Internet and computers, and those who cannot $ ^{17} $ . Here we will analyze the digital divide from two standpoints, the digital divide in Japan and that overseas.

### 2. Toward elimination of the digital divide in Japan

(1) Current status of the digital divide in Japan

A. Status of the digital divide between individuals and between organizations: status of Internet utilization

The Internet is rapidly becoming an essential part of the infrastructure for Japanese citizens, with a utilization rate of 78.2% (out of the entire population aged 6 and over) as of the end of 2010. Considering the fact that Japanese people's lifestyles are increasingly dependent on the Internet, there is a danger that those without Internet access or proficiency (the "have-nots" of the digital divide) will be unable to access basic services, thus becoming trapped in a vicious cycle.

Utilization rates for the 60 and over age group, while they have increased dramatically in recent years, are still lower than those of the 13-59 age group. Also, among those aged 60 and above, we find the utilization rate diminishing in accordance with increasing age (Figure 2-2-2-1, top graph). There is also a significant income-based disparity, with rate of use falling in accordance with income, and only 63.1% of those with annual incomes of under ¥2 million utilizing the Internet (Figure 2-2-2-1, bottom graph).

A comparative analysis of Internet utilization rates by gender, age group, annual income, and rural vs. urban area was performed $ ^{18} $ . At the end of 2010, the most significant factor impacting Internet utilization or lack thereof was age group. In particular, among those aged 60 and above, the utilization rate was found to diminish in accordance with increasing age. The second most

Figure 2-2-2-1 Internet utilization rates

(By annual household income)

(Source) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "2010 Communications Usage Trend Survey"

17 2004 White Paper on Information and Communications in Japan
Figure 2-2-2-4 Challenges related to Internet utilization

(Source) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Survey on Safety and Security in an ICT Utilization Society" (2011)

while Internet use is fairly widespread among these populations, they face challenges from an economic standpoint. These segments are prone to isolation and at risk of becoming “have-nots” in what could be called the “social divide,” due to a relative paucity of social interaction, but it is evident that online communities help to generate social connections and go some way toward providing a solution.

In the past, the digital divide was usually discussed in terms of infrastructure, but this survey revealed that there are also a wide variety of needs from a utilization standpoint. Henceforth, user-centric and carefully tailored responses to diverse needs will play an important role in bridging the digital divide.

## (4) Examples of initiatives aimed at eliminating the digital divide between individuals and between organizations

What kind of initiatives, aimed at bridging the digital divide between individuals and between groups, are already underway? There are a wide variety of initiatives targeting a wide variety of population segments and aiming to bridge the digital divide through support for ICT users, such as IT training sessions and computer classes. Below, we will describe some initiatives targeting the elderly and single parents, two groups identified in the analysis in (3) as having particular needs.

For some time, there have been a large number of measures taken to assist the elderly with ICT utilization. For this report, we analyzed long-running initiatives implemented by groups with considerable experience in assisting the elderly with ICT use. In terms of ICT utilization initiatives that support single parents, the need to balance work and child-rearing is a major challenge for this group, and for this reason we chose to analyze an initiative that seeks to address this challenge through ICT.

### A. Support for utilization of ICT by the elderly

## (A) The Mellow Club

The Mellow Club is a group for seniors, by seniors, launched in the pre-World Wide Web “online service provider” era and later adapted to the Internet. A nationwide network of seniors, the group conducts both online and offline activities, but all of its administrative meetings and paperwork procedures are done online, in line with the group’s motto, “Full enjoyment of the benefits of membership, even if in a wheelchair.”

### B. ICT-based support for working parents

#### (A) NTT Com CHEO Co., Ltd. (Minato City, Tokyo)

NTT Com CHEO is a company providing technical support over the phone or through home visits for those with inquiries about Internet connection, settings, etc. The telephone support service is staffed by approximately 1,000 people working at their own homes throughout Japan, the majority of whom are women in their 30s and 40s. It is the only call center of this scale in Japan in which staff work at home.
the premises, one of which is reserved for the visually impaired. Morning and afternoon computer classes are held every day, and a total of 3,000 people take them each year. Attendees are taught the basics of ICT, with a focus on the operation of applications useful in day-to-day life. Recently there have also been classes aimed at boosting communicative ability. Classes are conducted at a leisurely pace so that disabled persons can learn easily. Some of the disabled students who stick to their ICT training eventually become instructors themselves and begin the work of training others.

### C. Example of initiatives aimed at supporting disabled people using smartphones

Smartphones, and other devices reflecting new ICT trends, are a sector that has been growing remarkably in recent years, and these devices and their increasingly advanced applications are seen as having potential for use by the disabled. Here we will focus on smartphones and have a look at one effort to assist the disabled using them.

(A) “Tinted Glasses (Iro no megane)” smartphone app using augmented reality to assist those with color vision deficiencies

Mr. X, former head of an ICT start-up residing in Sapporo, Hokkaido, designed smartphone applications (apps) allowing people with color vision deficiencies to distinguish colors (“Tinted Glasses”) and allowing those without deficiencies to see how those with them experience the world (“Color Simulator”) (Figure 2-2-2-6). These apps are distributed worldwide for free via an app distribution site, and thus far a total of 12,100 have been downloaded $ ^{23} $ .

### 3. Efforts to Bridge the International Digital Divide

## (1) Factors contributing to the international digital divide and importance of eliminating it

The digital divide leads to disparities between individuals, regions, and all kinds of groups. In international terms, it leads to delayed development of countries' and regions' technology, education, labor, politics, tourism and other sectors, and is seen as posing an increasing threat to the global economy and international society. Bridging of the international digital divide will lead to the elimination of information-related inequality, as well as bolstering economic development and fostering mutual cultural understanding, contributing to creation of a more prosperous international community. For this rea

Figure 2-2-6 “Tinted Glasses” smartphone app using augmented reality to assist those with color vision deficiencies

(Source) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Survey on Safety and Security in an ICT Utilization Society" (2011)
ments themselves but also in partnership with NPOs and other organizations.

### 2. Current status of local ICT utilization

## (1) Rate of implementation by local governments of programs employing ICT (2011 survey)

In March 2011, we performed a survey on implementation by local governments of typical programs employing advanced ICT programs in 11 sectors: medicine and nursing care, social welfare, education, disaster preparedness, crime prevention, tourism, traffic and transportation, promotion of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, promotion of industry (other than agriculture, forestry and fisheries), employment, and regions.

The survey showed that while 83.5% of regions had implemented such projects in at least one sector, the average implementation rate across all sectors was only 27.4% (Figure 2-2-3-1) $ ^{28} $ .

## (2) Status of basic ICT services

This survey of programs employing ICT also included relatively easily implemented services (basic ICT services) such as providing information to the public via websites. The average for all sectors was 61.6%, but it may be inferred that basic ICT services are provided in

at least one sector in nearly all local governments $ ^{29} $ .

## (3) Future plans to introduce programs employing ICT

As to the question of future plans to introduce programs employing ICT, local governments planned to implement or were considering implementing programs in 10.1% of cases (average of all sectors.) On the other hand, 62.5% of local governments had no plans to implement programs in any sector.

### 3. Challenges facing local ICT utilization

## (1) Challenges facing ICT utilization

Among challenges standing in the way of implementing programs employing ICT, cost issues were most often cited, with 55.3% responding that “implementation costs are high”, 55.2% stating that “operating costs are high”, 47.5% saying that “cost-benefit balance is unclear”(Figure 2-2-3-2). It is evident that cost concerns encompass both the costs themselves and doubts about cost-benefit balance. Following this were personnel-related concerns such as “the local government lacks know-how” (42.0%) and “the local government lacks personnel” (38.2%), followed by infrastructure concerns like “infrastructure is inadequate” (29.4%). Many also expressed concern about the know-how necessary for

Figure 2-2-3-1 Implementation by local governments of programs employing ICT (2011 survey)

(Source) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Survey on Penetration and Promotion of Programs Employing ICT" (2011)
Figure 2-2-3-2 Challenges facing local ICT utilization (average for all sectors)

(Source) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Study on Promotion of Programs Employing ICT (2011)"

effective ICT utilization, claiming lack of expertise and lack of understanding of costs vs. benefits. This trend holds true for all 11 sectors, clearly indicating that costs, personnel, know-how, and infrastructure are the key challenges facing implementation of programs employing ICT.

## (2) Needs of regions facing ICT utilization challenges

Among local governments implementing programs employing ICT, 75.8% responded that programs were either “achieving the desired results” (35.7%) or “achieving results to a certain extent” (40.1%) (Figure 2-2-3-3). Only 7.0% responded that programs “have not achieved the desired results,” indicating that the majority of local governments implementing programs employing ICT felt they were effective in addressing regional challenges.

46.4% of those not yet implementing programs “could not say” whether or not such programs are effective (Figure 2-2-3-4). However, 30.2% were of the opinion that such programs “are effective, or are likely to be effective,” and only 4.8% stated that they “are ineffective, or are unlikely to be effective,” indicating that even those local governments not implementing programs did not necessarily feel that such programs were not valid means of addressing regional challenges. As to the need for implementation, 12.6% stated that there was a “strong need for implementation” and 11.2% that there was “little need for implementation,” while 61.9% claimed they “could not say either way.” Around half of local governments not yet implementing programs could not judge whether ICT constituted an effective means of addressing regional challenges. It is evident that the possibility ICT holds for resolution of the issues facing regions is not sufficiently recognized.

With regards to local governments that are unclear on their attitudes toward resolution of challenges through ICT utilization, and uncertain about its necessity, particularly those that have yet to implement programs employing ICT, supplying them with know-how and with successful examples of implementation by other local governments, to clarify the specific benefits that ICT utilization can bring regions in terms of overcoming challenges and revitalizing regions is likely to help them make judgments on the desirability of implementing ICT programs.
## (4) Potential for ICT utilization-related disparity between regions

As utilization of ICT across all sectors of medicine, education, and industry can effectively boost the efficiency of initiatives and projects, and create new added value, expectations are high for ICT to resolve regional challenges and contribute to the vitalization of regions as well. For this to happen, accurate gauging of the diverse needs of regions is essential, and first and foremost, the regions themselves ought to assess such needs from the perspective of their residents and implement programs autonomously.

In practice, however, many regions lag behind in terms of ICT utilization, and this appears to be influenced by factors separate from the actual challenges facing the community, such as the scale of the municipality and so forth. If such factors are not evaluated accurately and appropriate measures are not taken to assist them, there is a danger of the ICT disparity between regions growing even wider.

### 5. ICT utilization and costs

## (1) Subsidies from the national government

Among local governments implementing programs utilizing ICT, the percentage receiving subsidies from the national government was 16.7% (average across all sectors) (Figure 2-2-3-5) $ ^{31} $ . By sector, the rate was high for education (31.5%), transportation (28.2%), tourism (24.3%) and medicine and nursing care (22.9%). As the rate of implementation for education is high (51.5%) compared to transportation (16.7%), tourism (19.3%) and medicine and nursing care (13.7%), it is evident that in the education sector, national government subsidization is offered and regions are effectively making use of these subsidies.

## (2) Efforts to lower costs through cloud technology

The rates of ICT program implementation for crime prevention and local communities are 45.0% and 23.1% respectively, as shown in Figure 2-2-3-1 above, but these sectors have low rates of subsidization at 4.7% and 5.5% respectively. However, in terms of utilization of ASP / SaaS cloud technology, for which the average across all sectors is 11.3%, these two sectors had high rates of utilization at 23.6% for crime prevention and 21.1% for local communities (Figure 2-2-3-6).

These two sectors apparently have high rates of ICT program implementation as they deal with issues of great concern to the regions in question, and it appears they are making use of cloud technology which can be introduced at relatively low cost.

### 6. ICT utilization and human resources

As pointed out in 3.(1), a large number of local governments have stated that lack of qualified personnel is a concern in trying to promote ICT utilization. To achieve revitalization of regions through ICT, there is a need not only for human resources with ICT proficiency, but also

Figure 2-2-3-5 Percentage of local governments implementing ICT programs which receive national subsidies

(Source) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Study on Promotion of Programs Employing ICT" (2011)