March 28, 2022 Results of the 6th Japan-Germany ICT Policy Dialogue

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) held the 6th Japan-Germany ICT policy dialogue with the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr in German, abbreviated as BMDV) in a web conference on Wednesday, March 23 and Thursday, March 24, 2022. This policy dialogue aims to deepen the mutual understanding between Japan and Germany on policy aspects in the field of information and communications and promote the collaboration and cooperation of the two countries.
This policy dialogue covered a wide range of topics in the field of ICT. On March 23, the delegates from both countries shared information on the initiatives carried out respectively by their governments and confirmed that they will continue to cooperate with each other in this field. On March 24, public-private sessions were held and the participants engaged in lively discussion.
Following the results of this policy dialogue, Japan and Germany will discuss specific measures to further deepen cooperation between the two countries.

Main achievements of the 6th Japan-Germany ICT Policy Dialogue

In the 6th ICT policy dialogue, the following topics were mainly discussed based on policy and R&D trends and practical issues in Japan and Germany.

1. Digital policy and regulation

Japan explained the recent initiatives regarding digital market competition, such as the outline of the bill for the Act Partially Amending the Telecommunications Business Act and countermeasures against online harassment and disinformation. Germany explained the domestic measures taken in relation to the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), etc. and countermeasures against hate speech and disinformation. The two countries agreed to continue to exchange opinions on these issues.

2. Global digital governance

Japan and Germany discussed various topics, such as the achievements and plans of each country in the international frameworks, including the G7 and G20, their respective initiatives toward an AI network society, and the measures taken in Germany in relation to the EU Data Act. In the digital-related discussion within G7, Japan and Germany shared an understanding of their past cooperation and confirmed the importance of the continued cooperative relationship between Germany, which will assume the G7 presidency in 2022, and Japan, which will assume the G7 presidency in 2023.

3. 5G and Beyond 5G (6G)

Japan explained the importance of Open RAN and the government initiatives to promote this network, the status of progress in the Beyond 5G Promotion Strategy, and the status of Japan-Germany joint research. Germany explained its efforts for 5G and 6G deployment, including the Gigabit Strategy and the Open RAN development support project, which are intended to promote the development of 5G, R&D projects in 6G, and security measures. Japan and Germany confirmed that they will continue to share their latest information and cooperate with each other in ensuring the openness and safety of networks.

4. Public-private sessions

On March 24, participants from the private sectors in both countries joined and explained the Open RAN initiatives and Beyond 5G R&D, and efforts in the development of latest technology (e.g., quantum communication technology). The participants exchanged views from a practical perspective, and confirmed the importance of continuing discussion on enhanced cooperation in the Open RAN initiatives, and the new vision of society and roles of the government that will be brought about by new technology.