Challenges for policy of network oriented society a Japanese view

Social impacts of digital information networks are described in terms of convergence of service modes, integration of socioeconomic activities, change in industrial structure, strengthening social infrastructure and enrichment of culture, with some reference to specific Japanese situations. Emphasis is placed on such issues as reorganization of regulatory measures, interoperability of systems and services, communities of interest, privacy and security, freedom of information, information resource development, software production, shift of workforce, societal receptivity, preservation and creation of culture, and lowering of language barriers.