Brussels, 04/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 3 May, EU Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes met Japanese Domestic Affairs and Communications Minister Tatsuo Kawabata to discuss cooperation between the EU and Japan on new digital technology issues. They discussed internet management, internet security, cloud computing, R&D and ITC cooperation, active ageing and how to make the web safer for children.
Internet. Kroes and Kawabata share the view that the internet can be an instrumental force for democratisation processes, economic growth and innovation. They therefore recognise the importance of working together to ensure the internet remains a key driver of societal progress, with the free flow of information.
Security. International cooperation is vital to ward off cyber-attacks. The EU and Japan decided to work more closely together in this domain by sharing best practices and stressed the need to promote international standards for the secure exchange of information.
Promoting cloud computing. The commissioner and the Japanese minister agree that there are many benefits to cloud computing and will be organising an Internet Security Forum in Tokyo on 19 April 2013.
Making the internet safer for children. The EU and Japan will encourage industry to do more to make the internet safer for children on a voluntary basis and will encourage the exchange of good practice in this domain.
Cooperating on R &D. Information technology and communications R&D is important for innovation and the EU and Japan will continue to promote joint research in the fields of optical communications, wireless communications and internet security.
Active ageing. The EU and Japan want new technology to be used to improve the lives of the elderly and deal with problems caused by an ageing society, and will be working together to achieve this aim. (IL/transl.fl)