元デジタル大臣・河野太郎が語る、日本のデジタルガバナンス（T4IS 2026）
元デジタル大臣・河野太郎が、プラットフォーム権力、マイナンバー、民主的説明責任を語る — Tech for Impact Summit 2026登壇セッションの内容を紹介。
Former Digital Minister Taro Kono joins the session “Who Governs the Digital Public Square?” at Tech for Impact Summit 2026 on April 26 in Tokyo. The session takes up who is responsible when an algorithm decides what news 50 million users see.
From My Number to platform accountability
As Digital Minister, Kono pushed to digitise Japan’s paper-heavy bureaucracy, expanded the My Number digital ID system, and publicly challenged agencies that resisted change, often on social media, where his direct style has earned him millions of followers.
That work left him with the questions he brings to this session. As governments digitise, who controls the infrastructure citizens depend on? When private platforms become the public square, how do democracies keep them accountable?
The Japan context
Japan has:
- Crypto and Web3 regulation that is drawing builders from abroad
- An ageing population that relies more each year on digital services
- A media ecosystem in which platforms like SmartNews shape what tens of millions read
Kono will be joined by Ken Suzuki, co-founder of SmartNews, whose algorithms curate news for over 50 million users. Suzuki ran the platform; Kono regulated the sector. The session puts the two views on platform power and democratic accountability in one room.
Format
Tech for Impact Summit runs small rooms with no cameras, and its Strategy Dialogues are held under Chatham House rules. Main stage speakers take questions rather than reading prepared remarks.
Kono has a record of speaking bluntly in public. The session will put that to questions on AI regulation, data sovereignty, and Japan’s part in setting global digital governance standards.
Tech for Impact Summit 2026 takes place April 26 at Kioi Conference, Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho. Join the 2027 waitlist →