Japan drafts ‘Digital New Deal’ to upgrade dated admin services

Pedestrians cross the street in front of the Bank of Japan headquarters (behind) in Tokyo. The government’s 'Digital New Deal' looks to enhance data sharing among ministries, while improving its social security number system and online administrative services, such as tax filings and benefit payments. — AFP

Japan is planning to upgrade the digital infrastructure of government ministries and public services next year after the coronavirus pandemic revealed the dated nature of its administrative operations.

The world’s third largest economy will focus on updating its digital capabilities to adapt to a "post-coronavirus way of life”, it said in the draft of an annual set of strategic plans released Wednesday.