Digital technologies in the Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance sector can both strengthen and harm democratic institutions and processes. Digital government adds public value through its ability to enhance the transparency and accountability of governments, improve the provision of public sector services, and streamline engagement with key stakeholders such as citizens, civil society organizations (CSOs), media, youth groups, or political parties. However, the rapid pace of technological innovation has often outpaced the government’s ability to assess and constrain potential digital harms. Digital technologies can widen the digital divide and contribute to exclusion, introduce new cybersecurity vulnerabilities, restrict political freedom, or exploit personal data.
Digital Government Sectoral Briefer: Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance
Date published: Sept. 18, 2023