The government said Tuesday that it will consider integrating My Number identification with driver's licenses in order to promote the use of the system.
In addition to introducing the universal ID number in the education field, the government will also hasten the improvement of related systems. An itinerary that includes these specific measures will be finalized by the end of this year.
A working group aiming to improve the My Number system and the digital infrastructure of its administration held its first meeting at the Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday and adopted these plans. The working group is made up of related ministers and other experts.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at the meeting: "We need to make drastic improvements to maintain Japan's growth and international competitiveness. We want to sort out the issues as soon as possible and start implementing what we can."
The issuance of My Number cards began in 2016. The usage rate among the population is only 20%, against a target of "issuing them to almost all citizens by fiscal year 2022."
The government is already preparing for the card to be used as a health insurance card by March 2021, and hopes to further promote use of the card by integrating it with driver's licenses and other forms of identification.
The government will also promote the use of My Number in the field of education. Data from results of medical examinations at schools will be made available for management bodies using the number. The government will also consider storing learning data as part of the GIGA (Global and Innovation Gateway for All) School Initiative, which distributes computers, tablets and other learning devices to students.
There were a number of flaws in the online application processes using My Number cards for the distribution of the government's coronavirus outbreak 100,000 yen relief aid. One of the reasons for this is believed to be the fact that each municipality has its own system for handling My Number information.
The government is now working to standardize the system and aims to drastically shorten the work period, which will take five to 10 years. The Japan Agency for Local Authority Information Systems, which runs the management system for My Number will also be drastically strengthened. Allowing banks, insurance companies, and other institutions to use information related to My Number data held by the agency is also on the agenda for consideration.
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