U.S. AND JAPAN ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT ON THE INTERNET ECONOMY

The following excerpt is from the Department of State 
U.S.-Japan Policy Cooperation Dialogue on the Internet Economy Third Director General-Level Meeting
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC
March 23, 2012
Following is the text of a joint statement issued by the United States of America and Japan at the conclusion of the United States - Japan Policy Cooperation Dialogue on the Internet Economy.
Begin Text:
On March 22 and 23, 2012, the third Director General-level meeting of the U.S.-Japan Policy Cooperation Dialogue on the Internet Economy was held in Tokyo. Hajime Tonegawa, Director General of the Global ICT Strategy Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), and officials representing MIC, the IT Policy Office, the National Information Security Center, the Consumer Affairs Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry participated in the dialogue from Japan. Ambassador Philip Verveer and officials representing the U.S. Department of State, the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security participated in the dialogue from the United States. In addition, representatives from both U.S. and Japanese industry participated in some of the discussions.

Recognizing that the Internet is transforming the global economy and improving the lives of people around the world, participants from both countries concurred that close cooperation and commitment to shared values is essential. During the dialogue, participants exchanged views on important topics in Internet and information and communications technology (ICT) policy, emphasizing the need for openness, innovation, and increased opportunities for U.S. and Japanese industry.
On March 22, industry representatives from both countries submitted a “U.S.-Japan Business Dialogue on the Internet Economy Joint Statement,” which addressed the need for:
(i) Coordination on Internet policy issues;
(ii) Promotion of cloud computing services;
(iii) Continued collaboration on cyber security;
(iv) Promotion of ICT in the public sector;
(v) Coordination on disaster response;
(vi) Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) deployment; and
(vii) Cooperation on research development, training, and promotion of digital literacy.
Taking account of the “U.S.-Japan Business Dialogue on the Internet Economy Joint Statement,” government participants from both countries emphasized the need to ensure the free flow of information in order to foster innovation and stimulate economic growth. Participants discussed the following topics:

(1) Internet Policy Issues
(a) Participants reaffirmed the importance of the principles mentioned in the joint press statement of the 2nd Director General-level meeting last year, including:
Preserving the open and interoperable nature of the global Internet, which underpins the global free flow of data; and
Protecting Internet freedom, which includes the freedoms of expression, association, and assembly online.
To advance these principles, participants recognized the importance of:
Coordination on Internet policy issues, including Internet governance, protecting personal information, and protecting children online;
Cooperation on Internet policy issues at international and multilateral fora; and
Encouraging other countries to develop trade principles consistent with the “U.S.-Japan trade principles for ICT services,” finalized in January 2012.
(b) Recognizing the concerns of users about the proper use of personal information by ICT service providers, participants shared the view that service providers should be accountable for protecting users’ personal information, regardless of national boundaries.
Taking note that the European Union (EU) has proposed a new privacy framework, participants emphasized the importance of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Data Privacy Subgroup, which plans to pursue international engagement, including with the EU, to promote the interoperability of regional approaches to data protection.

(2) Development of a U.S.-Japan Cloud Computing Working Group
Participants concurred that they will develop a U.S.-Japan Cloud Computing Working Group at the Director level, which will convene around fall 2012 after identifying key policy issues based on views expressed by U.S. and Japanese industry.
Participants recognized that the adoption of cloud computing services will expand business opportunities and foster economic growth. In addition, participants concurred that cloud computing technology has specific advantages in times of disaster, providing a key infrastructure to help us respond to emergencies and restore our lives.

(3) Continued Cyber Security Cooperation for Commercial Networks
Participants acknowledged the importance of improving cyber security measures, and recognized that international cooperation is imperative to addressing the issue, since cyber incidents cross our borders. Participants concurred that the U.S. and Japanese governments, private sector partners, and research institutions in the United States and Japan, should share information relating to cyber incidents and accelerate collaborative research and development in order to prevent and respond quickly to cyber incidents that may occur. In addition, participants acknowledged their commitment to greater bilateral and international cyber security collaboration.

(4) Promotion of ICT in the Public Sector
Participants recognized the importance of sharing best practices for the use of ICT – including the use of cloud computing technology – in the field of public administration, as well as public-private collaboration for open government.

(5) IPv6 Deployment
Participants recognized the importance of sharing the current status of IPv6 deployment and best practices in both countries, given that companies are beginning to deploy IPv6-based services and products. Participants concurred that they should continue to share best practices and status updates on IPv6 deployment.

(6) Cooperation on Research Development and Training
Participants concurred that they will continue to conduct joint research and development, and exchange personnel, in order to promote the research and development of the New Generation Network (NWGN) / Future Internet.

 (7) Protecting Children Online
Participants recognized the importance of protecting children online. In particular, participants concurred that public-private initiatives, voluntary industry-led efforts, and consumer and business education, are all important complements to law enforcement. Working together, these elements represent the best approach to providing a safe Internet environment for young people. Participants also concurred that further coordination would be beneficial.

(8) Mobile Broadband and Spectrum Auctions
Participants provided an update of their policies on frequency allocation for mobile broadband services and spectrum auctions, and acknowledged the importance of further information sharing.