Regulatory Action on the field of eDemocracy from an ethical perspective Evika Karamagioli Deputy Director , Gov2u

   ICT both affect and are affected by the socio-political environment into which they are introduced and functioning. While human values and ethical considerations do not stand apart from technology, they are fundamentally part of technological practices. eDemocracy applications are one of the most indicative examples of this concept.

  How can we ensure that the Internet will remain a space that is open to creativity and the free exchange of information, facilitating interaction between representatives and the represented and at the same time ensure that the rights and the security of those using it are properly protected? What directions and incentives should be provided for engagement through electronic means?

e-democracy applications are widely recognised as having the potential to support and facilitate participatory and deliberative democracy, enhancing the transparency and accountability of democratic decision-making.

 The public / social service value of the Internet

Facilitating the connection and interaction between representatives and the represented is a cultural function.

It is not a product of the technology!

  Technology results from social, political, economic and cultural as well as technological choices.

Society constructs and is constructed by technology. ICT is shaped by the character of the society that produces them. Social practices, social relationships and social institutions are interrelated with designing, producing, distributing and using technology. ICT can be changed by changing our society and vise versa.

Human rights standards developed on the basis of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are globally recognized as a perquisite for the development of an inclusive and participative information society.

    The right to access information, knowledge and culture Freedom of expression Identity and social networks Rights and freedoms of Internet users with regard to their actions and responsibilities

The reality is that democracy and politics are still primarily an ‘offline affair’ for the very simple reason that ICT effect on democracy depends very much on how people (politicians, campaigning groups, citizens and so on) use them.

  What governments do (and don’t do) shapes the space in which citizens and the organisations of civil society can be active Governmental choices about the development of top-down or bottom-up systems have a direct effect on the type and level of citizen engagement

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