are disparities in internet charges between areas. In order to eliminate such disparities, the local government should become the second provider and provide an access point by building a WAN. (The second internet provider means the second telecommunications enterprise which offers services to specific users. Registration with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications is required.)
(5) Contents service
Local governments establish and control the www server themselves (or by commission), and by opening it up to private enterprises and individuals, they promote the development of private applications such as virtual shopping and home banking.
4. Agenda for the future
(1) Security
As mentioned earlier the internet started from the study of computer communications connections. In other words, it was developed as a means of communication for researchers. For this reason, practical technology has taken priority over security measures. How to overcome the internet's weak points, such as lack of security has actually not been given a great deal of consideration because the view was held that human nature was fundamentally good or it was left up to the morality of the researcher as the user. It therefore goes without saying that we need to draw up countermeasures such as installation of a fire-wall or mirror server. It is also necessary to consider how to deal with cases in which information is leaked, revised or made use of in an adverse way without the owner's permission.
(2) Popularization and education of users
local governments should make the internet known to various public bodies such as elementary, junior high and high schools, libraries, museums, art museums and hospitals. They should also provide technical and financial support when necessary to promote information education for citizens and encourage popularization among local companies. The Ministry of Home Affairs has adopted personal computers for educational purposes introduced by elementary junior high and high schools as the unit cost of local allocationtaxes.
(3) Practical use as a disaster prevention information network
The internet is a dispersed system not easily affected by disasters. When the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake occurred in January 1995, the internet was used to exchange information, for example, to report on the amount of damage, to confirm the safety of residents, and to put out a call for rescue volunteers. Unlike the closed system in administrative agencies, it can receive all kinds of disaster information transmitted by residents or companies. This system should, therefore, be examined from the viewpoint of diversification of the disaster information network.
