Analysis of the Y2K problem from the viewpoint of risk communication

Abstract

Various risk factors have been increasing as the result of the increasing ubiquity of the Internet. In order to share recognition concerning the risk among participants such as the public, risk communication is necessary. To develop effective risk communication, it is important to examine examples from the past and to analyze the problems and their countermeasures. In this paper, we define risk communication, and then describe the Y2K problem as an example of risk communication. Through the investigation of newspapers and Web articles in both Japan and the United States, we describe the countermeasures taken with regard to the Y2K problem by the public, the government, mass media, and experts. These results are used to suggest countermeasures for risk communication regarding the Year 2038 problem, which is similar to the Y2K problem and for the risk against the information infrastructure, which may occur in the future.