The promotion of democratic rule through digital technology.
Also referred to as
internet democracy, digital democracy is the adoption of technology in the governance process. It is
the application of digital tools to entrenching political interaction and active participation in politics.
The use of the Internet or other computer technologies to enhance governance processes such as
voting or participation in public hearings.
goal of online democracy is the relationship between elected representatives,
citizens, civil society and political authorities is evolving. While traditional
linkages between citizens and politicians are weakening.
The main goal of online democracy is the strengthened integration of citizens
in the political debate. Internet connectivity enables more people to participate
in many discussions that may have been previously localized or too high-
brow. The digitalization of participation is aimed at increasing the transparency
and legitimacy of our political systems through democratic engagement.
e-tools, including Internet, social media sites and open data, can help
mobilise voters, increase citizen participation in new and different ways to
improve public service delivery, foster innovation and economic growth, and
strengthen democracy.
The internet has made it possible to connect to local and
national politics without leaving the comfort of our homes.
Surveys and questionnaires are answered through email
and ballots are filled out online in a process known as digital
democracy
Digital democracy would be advantageous because it is
simpler, less expensive, and caters to younger citizens
There are several good things about digital democracy. The
main advantage of digital democracy is that it creates a
simpler process when it comes to accessing documents and
information for public-sector agencies and citizens. For
example, digital democracy allowed for the Indiana Bureau
of Motor Vehicles to allow government records to be
digitally signed, legally certified and delivered electronically
by using Electronic Postmark technology in 2004.
Another benefit of digital democracy is that is marginally
less expensive than physical politics.
Digital democracy also reaches more people. The option of
voting online or allowing someone to voice their opinion
over an online forum is beneficial to citizens who live out of
town and would not be willing to vote by absentee ballot.
Online voting is the only realistic method with which citizens could consistently
and easily participate.
In addition, the technological aspect also appeals to
younger citizens who may not have previously cared for
politics
Also, I think it is attractive to all citizens because
it saves an immense amount of time and is
extremely more convenient than having to attend
public forums or standing in lines to vote.
Lastly, I think it is inevitable that we incorporate
politics with the digital age. So much of our lives
are already incorporate with technology. It makes
sense that our politics should join that
incorporation as well.
I realize that digital democracy has obvious
disadvantages, but in this case, the good
outweighs the bad.
Digital Participation does not reach the whole
population
This ultimately lies at the core of the issue with digital participation. Not every
citizen has a smartphone, computer or even a stable connection to the
internet. Rural areas lack the digital infrastructure necessary for regular digital
participation. While this will change in the future,as governments and private
companies invest in infrastructure, it is one of the biggest hurdles that must be
overcome.
It is not only the technical inability to participate that is the problem. Many
people themselves lack the technical knowledge or desire to participate with
the government digitally. While these people remain, there must be non-digital
methods of political participation
Online Voting a Security Risk?
A clear distinction should be made between voting
computers (E-voting) and online (I-voting).
Voting computers have a checkered history and are often
built on legacy hardware. They are also cumbersome,
expensive and often insecure.
Online voting, in contrast, has to be built to the latest
specifications, with the latest cryptographic concepts, and
on the latest hardware. Staying up-to-date is vital in order to
keep up with the constantly evolving digital market and
security needs. There are a few issues in particular. Ballot
secrecy must be upheld, the vote must be able to be verified
and it has to be safe from external attack.
-In terms of liquid democracy, this would hardly matter if individuals do not
vote as their votes are automatically transferred to their elected
representative. Liquid democracy is both a fascinating and bold idea. The true
danger is that too much engagement would lead to lower turnout in national,
or important elections. Indeed this is a danger but if e-participation is done
correctly, there will be more desire to engage – as well as the ability to do so.
