Japan wins 2-year "war on floppy disks," kills regulations requiring old tech

Japan has successfully phased out the use of floppy disks in governmental systems after a two-year effort led by Digital Minister Taro Kono. The country's Digital Agency eliminated over 1,000 regulations related to floppy disk use, signaling a significant modernization of government technology. Despite the outdated nature of floppy disks, they were still being used for various submissions until recently. Japan's move away from floppy disks highlights a broader trend of resistance to modernization in the country, as seen in the continued use of fax machines and reluctance to adopt cloud-based systems. While Japan has made progress in updating its technology, there are still challenges in transitioning away from older technologies due to cultural preferences and bureaucratic hurdles. The country's ranking in the IMD's World Digital Competitiveness Ranking reflects its slower adoption of digital technologies compared to other economies. Japan's experience with floppy disks serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in updating technology infrastructure in both the public and private sectors.