Japan is eliminating outdated rules requiring government agencies to use floppy disks, marking the end of an era for these information carriers in the country of high technologies.
Farewell to the era of floppy disks
Japanese bureaucracy and the technological paradox
Japan, known for its advanced technology, has long maintained a paradoxical attachment to outdated storage media. The country's government agencies were required to use floppy disks, better known as floppy disks, despite their archaic nature in the modern digital world.
Digital Agency's Revolutionary Decision
Recently, the Japan Digital Agency took decisive action by repealing more than a thousand regulations that had mandated the use of floppy disks . Among the rules that were lifted was even an environmental restriction regarding vehicle recycling. The agency was created during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it became apparent that Japan's government apparatus still relied on outdated technology and paper-based documentation.
Victory over obsolete technology
Digital Minister Taro Kono enthusiastically announced the victory over floppy disks on June 28th. Since his appointment in 2022, he has actively fought against the use of obsolete storage media and equipment, including fax machines.
The end of the magnetic disk era
For many modern people, floppy disks are an unknown artifact of the past. These storage media were popular in the 70-90s of the last century, serving to transfer data between computers that do not have a network connection. The decline of the floppy disk era began about 25 years ago with the spread of network technologies, the Internet and flash drives.
Pioneers of the technology elimination
Apple became one of the pioneers in the rejection of floppy disks with the release of the iMac G3 in 1998 without floppy drive. According to internal documents, Intel planned to phase out floppy disks back in 2001. And Sony, which occupied about 70% of the 3.5-inch floppy disk market, officially stopped producing them in 2010.
Glossary
- Digital Agency is a Japanese government organization created to modernize the country's digital infrastructure
- Taro Kono - Japanese politician, minister of digital technology
- Apple - American technology company, manufacturer of computers and electronics
- Intel is an American corporation, the largest manufacturer of microprocessors
- Sony is a Japanese multinational corporation specializing in electronics and entertainment
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Why did Japan use floppy disks in government agencies for so long?
What changes have occurred regarding the use of floppy disks in Japan?
What was the impetus for creating a Digital Agency in Japan?
When did the popularity of floppy disks begin to decline in the world?
How long did Sony dominate the floppy disk market and when did it stop making them?
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Discussion of the topic – Japan says goodbye to floppy disks: a revolution in digital control
Japan has lifted 1,034 outdated rules mandating the use of floppy disks in government agencies, marking a major step in modernizing the country's digital infrastructure.
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Antonio
It's incredible that Japan still used floppy disks! 😱 I thought they went extinct along with the dinosaurs. I wonder how they dealt with limited memory?
Helga
Antonio, I'm shocked too! 😮 But you know, some older systems still use floppy disks. For example, in aviation. Although 1034 rules are already too much. It's good that it was finally cancelled.
Pierre
Guys, do you remember how you used to transfer files on floppy disks? 💾 I did this all the time at school. Nostalgia really hit me. Although, of course, progress cannot be stopped.
Maria
Pierre, yes, it happened! 😄 Do you remember the sound when the computer read information from a floppy disk? Swish-swish-swish... By the way, it’s interesting that Apple abandoned floppy drives back in ’98. As always, ahead of the rest!
Klaus
All this digitalization is complete nonsense. It worked before, and nothing. Why change something if everything is fine? They are just wasting money on these digital ministers. It would be better if pensions were increased.
Sophia
Klaus, don't be such a grump! 😊 Progress is inevitable. Imagine how much paper and time will be saved by eliminating outdated technology. This is great! 🌿
Oleksandr
I agree with Sophia! Digitalization is the future. I wonder what other outdated technologies are still used in government agencies in different countries? Maybe they use punch cards somewhere else? 😂
Antonio
Oleksandr, haha, made me laugh! 😆 Although who knows... Maybe they use the telegraph somewhere else. But seriously, well done to the Japanese for finally solving this problem. I wonder what other changes await us in the near future? 🤔