TECH DRIVEN GOVERNANCE ISSUES,CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

1- Introduction

In the fast-evolving digital age, technology is reshaping nearly every aspect governance : be it people , businesses and corporate operations. . What was once a field driven largely by manual processes, paperwork, and face-to-face meetings is now transforming under the influence of digital innovations. From artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to cloud computing and data analytics, the digital revolution is enabling more transparent, efficient, and informed decision-making at the highest levels of governance.

Technology governance, by extension, involves making decisions and exercising authority on the development and diffusion of technology. The direct purpose of technology governance is to guide the behaviour of individuals and organizations towards a specific set of outcomes.

Technology governance encompasses the frameworks, policies, and processes that guide the development, deployment, and use of technology. It aims to ensure that technology serves its intended purpose while minimizing risks and maximizing benefits ( OECD Report)

Technology governance is now recognised as a central pillar for helping countries and the international community to reap benefits of important technologies, to mitigate risks, and build a more resilient future.

Digital tools and technologies are introducing new ways to enhance governance frameworks, increase oversight, and mitigate risks. For businesses, embracing digital transformation in corporate governance is no longer optional—it’s essential. This Article will explore how technology is impacting governance, discussing both the challenges and opportunities it presents, and how governments and organizations can successfully integrate these innovations into their governance structures.

As rightly said by John McGinnis, “Our task is to place politics progressively within the domain of information technology — to use its new or enhanced tools, such as empiricism, information markets, dispersed media and artificial intelligence, to reinvent governance.”

2. Key Issues In Tech. Governance

A.. Data Privacy and Security: Balancing innovation and privacy: Rapid technological advancements, particularly in areas like AI and data analytics, raise concerns about the collection, storage, and use of personal data. Governance frameworks must strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting individual privacy.

B: Cyber Security Threats :The increasing interconnectedness of systems and devices creates vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. Effective governance requires robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data.*

C: Data sovereignty: Questions surrounding where data is stored and who has access to it are becoming increasingly important, especially with the rise of cloud computing and cross-border data flows.2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance:*

D :Ethical considerations: AI systems raise ethical dilemmas related to bias, discrimination, and accountability. Governance frameworks must address these issues to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly.* Transparency and explainability: The "black box" nature of some AI algorithms can make it difficult to understand how decisions are made. Governance efforts are needed to promote transparency and explainability in AI systems.*

E. Autonomous systems: The development of autonomous systems, such as self-driving cars and drones, raises complex legal and ethical questions. Governance frameworks must address issues of liability and safety.

. F.Digital Divide and Inclusion: Ensuring equitable access: Technology governance must address the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the benefits of technology, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.

G: As technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, it is essential to promote digital literacy and skills development,avoiding digital exclusion. Governance frameworks should aim to prevent the exclusion of certain groups from the digital economy and society

H.Regulatory Challenges: Keeping pace with rapid innovation: Technological change is happening at an unprecedented pace, making it difficult for regulators to keep up. Governance frameworks must be adaptable and flexible to address emerging technologies.* International cooperation: Many technology issues, such as cybersecurity and data privacy, transcend national borders. Effective governance requires international cooperation and coordination

I .Balancing Regulation and Innovation: Overly restrictive regulations can stifle innovation, while insufficient regulation can lead to negative consequences. Governance frameworks must find the right balance.

.J Corporate Responsibility: Ethical use of technology: Companies have a responsibility to use technology ethically and responsibly.* Transparency and accountability: Companies should be transparent about their use of technology and accountable for its impacts.*

K. Addressing algorithmic bias: Companies that develop and deploy AI systems must take steps to address algorithmic bias and ensure fairness.

In essence, technology governance is a dynamic and evolving field that requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals.

3 How Does E-Government Help to Achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The concept of e-government or digital government is no longer new but is becoming progressively more complex with the advent of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

At the same time, the imperative to digitalize institutions and public services has never been more urgent. This is particularly critical given the complex nature of shocks, crises and other challenges, in particular the effects of intersecting and compounding crises related to food, fuel, health and sustainable development.?

Digital government plays an important role in accelerating the implementation of the SDGs. By leveraging technology, governments can become more effective, inclusive and accountable, strengthening service provision and accessibility and contributing to the achievement of all 17 SDGs.”? ( For detail E- Governance framework refer (UN?E-Government Survey 2024)

4.Benefits of Digital Transformation in Governance

• Enhanced Efficiency: Digital tools streamline administrative processes, reducing the time and effort required to deliver services.It leads to faster decision-making and improved service delivery.
• Increased Transparency: Digital platforms enable real-time tracking of government activities, making it easier for citizens to access information and hold officials accountable.It helps build trust between the government and the public.
• Improved Accessibility: Digital governance initiatives ensure that government services are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their location.It is particularly beneficial for rural and remote areas, where access to government services has traditionally been limited.
• Cost Reduction: Automation and digitization have led to significant cost savings in government operations.
• Inclusiveness and Citizen Engagement: Digital platforms have made government services more accessible to citizens, including those in remote areas.Digital platforms provide citizens with opportunities to participate in governance processes, voice their opinions, and provide feedback. It fosters a more inclusive and participatory form of governance.

5 Tech. Driven Governance in India -

The Indian Information Technology Act 2000 ( As amended from time to time )has fecilitated the journey of E- Goevernance in India. From time to time several initiative to adopt E- Governance plans have been adopted in India . Recently enacted Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) and DPDP Rules ready to be adopted have paved the way for safe and secured use of personal digital data of individuals while ensuring privacy .

The upcoming Digital India Act ( Proposed) will further accelerate the E-Governance with adequate safegurds.

• e-Governance Platforms: E-Governance platforms have emerged as transformative tools in modern governance, leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of public services. These platforms facilitate the seamless interaction between government agencies and citizens, streamlining administrative processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. The National Portal of India, the Prime Minister of India Portal, Aadhaar, online tax filing and payment, digital land management systems, the Common Entrance Test, and other examples are all examples of e-governance.
• . Geographical Information System (GIS): GIS has emerged as a pivotal technology, significantly influencing decision-making processes and enhancing overall efficiency in India. The application of GIS in various government sectors has proven instrumental in addressing challenges related to urban planning, resource management, disaster response, and public health. Government agencies utilise GIS to map and analyse geographical data, allowing for informed policy formulation and strategic planning.
• Digital India Initiative: It aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It focuses on three key areas:Digital Infrastructure: Providing high-speed internet as a core utility to citizens.Governance and Services on Demand: Ensuring seamless delivery of government services to citizens.Digital Empowerment of Citizens: Universal digital literacy and availability of digital resources.

• Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN): It is a vital technological backbone that underpins the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India. Established as a non-profit organisation, GSTN acts as a comprehensive platform for the smooth and efficient management of GST-related data, filing, and compliance processes. It serves as a digital bridge between taxpayers, businesses, and the government, facilitating seamless communication and transaction processing.
• BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money): Bharat Interface for Money, commonly known as BHIM, stands as a revolutionary digital payment platform in India. Launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), BHIM is designed to facilitate fast, secure, and convenient cashless transactions. BHIM aims to empower users to make digital transactions with ease, even for those who may not have sophisticated smartphones. Operating on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), BHIM allows users to link multiple bank accounts and conduct transactions seamlessly through a single mobile application.
• Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS): The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) stands as a transformative initiative in the realm of law enforcement, playing a pivotal role in fostering good governance. Deployed with the aim of modernising and digitising the policing system in India, CCTNS provides an integrated platform for law enforcement agencies to store, share, and access crime-related information seamlessly. By facilitating real-time data exchange between police stations and various law enforcement agencies across the country, CCTNS contributes to efficient crime detection, investigation, and prevention
• UMANG App: A unified platform offering over 1,200 services from various government departments.
• DigiLocker: A digital locker service that enables citizens to store and share important documents securely.
• iGOT Karmayogi Platform: It is an online training portal, launched in 2020, aims to equip government officials with essential skills in data analytics, public administration, and digital technologies.The flexibility of personalized learning paths fosters continuous improvement, a vital trait where adaptability defines success.
• e-Office Initiative: It digitizes government workflows, drastically reducing reliance on paperwork and enhancing operational efficiency.By automating file management, workflows, and grievance redress, the initiative promotes real-time communication and transparency.
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM): The transition of procurement processes to the online sphere, with platforms like GeM, plays a crucial role in enhancing transparency and efficiency in government procurement.

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI): It has revolutionized digital transactions in India, providing a seamless and secure platform for financial transactions.It has significantly contributed to financial inclusion, enabling millions of Indians to access banking services. Total UPI transactions surged almost 46% to a record 17,220 Cr in 2024 from 11,768 Cr in the previous year. Meanwhile, the total value of UPI transactions zoomed over 35% to INR 246.82 Lakh Cr from INR 182.84 Lakh Cr in 2023. India has emerged as global leader in UPI transactions.
• Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA): DEPA is a consent management tool that aims to improve data protection and privacy for citizens by giving them greater control over their personal information.It is crucial for building trust in digital technologies and data governance.
• National Data Centres (NDC): It has established state-of-the-art National Data Centres in cities like Delhi, Pune, Bhubaneswar, and Hyderabad. These centres support cloud services for government ministries, state governments, and public sector undertakings, ensuring continuity in government operations.
• India’s Digital PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) initiative: It is a multi-purpose and multi-modal platform aimed at addressing the common man’s grievances and simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programs and projects of the Central Government as well as projects flagged by state governments.It leverages digital technology to enhance coordination, accountability, and efficiency in the execution of large-scale projects.It aims to enhance governance by integrating technology, fostering collaboration, and ensuring accountability by integrating three key aspects: digital data management, real-time tracking, and high-level coordination.
• India’s transformative journey in digital infrastructure underscores its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and efficiency. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, AI and through initiatives like Aadhaar, UPI and DigiLocker, India has emerged as a global leader in digital adoption. The collaborative efforts of government platforms and seamless citizen engagement, are paving the way for a digital future that empowers every citizen, fosters socio-economic growth, and strengthens governance. This digital revolution not only enhances India’s domestic capabilities but also positions the nation as a pioneer in providing scalable digital solutions for the global south. As India continues to build on this momentum, it is set to redefine possibilities in governance, public service delivery, and economic development.

6. Major Challenges of E-Governance

Hereunder are some major challenges of E- Governance faced worlwide.

A.Technical Issues

• .Security: Internet transactions are a major concern due to a lack of security. Insurance, banking, and utility bill payments are all handled by e-government platforms. Loopholes in the system provide a poor experience to the individual.
• Privacy: Misuse of personal data is another aspect that has proved challenging.
• Interoperability: Coordination between the ministries, communication gaps, and data transfer limitations.
• B Economic Issues
• Cost: Implementing e-governance operations and maintaining services is very costly.
• Reusability: Any government-developed model must be reusable. E-governance is a nationwide plan that should include software or programs that government agencies can use.
• Maintenance: The government needs to constantly maintain such platforms and introduce new software to meet citizens’ current demands.?
• Portability: Providing technologies independent of heavy immovable hardware.

• C.Social Issues

• APortability: Providing technologies independent of heavy immovable hardware.

• C.Social Issues

• Acceccessibility: Many people in rural areas cannot access such a portal due to language barriers, insufficient infrastructure, etc.
• Illiteracy: Illiteracy is a major factor that crets major road block in reaping benefits of e- governance. .
• Language: A major chunk of the population can’t understand English. The government must meet the gap and add different languages to their portals. The various governmental departments and even the Supreme Court has taken up intiative to develop E-portals in vernacular languages , especially in Hindi.
• Awareness: Informed citizens, concerned institutions, and government departments should take it as a responsibility to spread the information and promote e-services.
• Trust: Increasing cybercrimes such as spoofing, data tampering, data leaking, transactional frauds, etc., are posing problems for e-governance. Such activities create trust issues for citizens and limit the use of such platforms.
• Inequality: The unequal distribution of technology limits users and bars people from availing the perks provided under schemes of e-governance. ( Please refer my Article Digital Divide in the Era of Digital Transformation-published on LinkedIn on March 11 ,2025)
• Security: To protect citizens’ information, the government needs to have a high level of protection.
• Infrastructure: Better infrastructure can provide better connectivity to remote areas and help the overall development.

7. The Pathway to Future

Today, technology is playing a vital role in transforming governance. It is making governments more efficient, transparent, responsive, and effective. It has the potential to overcome some of the greatest challenges our society faces, including climate change, famine, and disease

According to the World Governance Indicators compiled by the World Bank, on a scale of 0 to 100 in terms of government effectiveness, for e.g., India scores 57, Indonesia 55, the Philippines 52, and Thailand 67. For perspective, advanced economies in Asia such as Japan and Singapore score 93 and 100, respectively.

The current era is marked by the use of cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence in governance. For instance, technology is being used to improve the government procurement process. By digitising forms and using cloud-based technology, governments can make bids easier to sign and submit, thereby driving up competition and saving money.

Despite the enormous potential of e-government to contribute to transforming government–citizen interactions, it has remained largely unstructured. In addition to structuring the current literature, in this Article I have tried to build up and conceptualises e-government as a multidimensional opportunity . The three underlying dimensions identified—empowered citizenship, hyper-integrated networks and evolutionary systems architecture—develop an understanding of e-government from a demand perspective and position e-government at the intersection of public administration and services marketing (public service delivery), having characteristics of trust and cost effectiveness .

In essence, technology governance is a dynamic and evolving field that requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals.

Prof. Dr . M.K.Bhandari

Founder Director - Global Academy of Law Tech Education and Research-GALTER-Indian

CEO-ILTES

Senior Professor of Law in Indndia

Tech Law -Author ,Researcher and Consultant.

E. [email protected]

Contact +91 9167724112

Visit www.galterprofmkb.org

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By B.PAC|December 22nd, 2023|Categories: B.ENGAGED|

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