Protecting democracy

Protecting democracy

How do we protect democracy? A democratic society enables and encourages citizens to act freely. To protect democracy, all citizens must have a say, as well as equal access to information and any information and communication technologies (ICTs). Citizens must feel as if they have a role in the running of the country. The struggle for democracy begins in the neighbourhoods, but it now plays out in the global arena as well.

Using ICT to protect democracy

At present, ICTs are providing opportunities for participation in democracy. As widespread internet use expands into all areas of society, it may present a real opportunity for greater participation in the democratic process.

The use of the internet and other ICTs allows more people to present their points of view to a wider audience. The materials on the internet provide a valuable information resource that will potentially be around for a long time. Technology allows information to be instantly accessible and presents an opportunity for more voices to be heard in the public sphere in a new way.

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Information is power

The more information that we have available to us, the more power we have. Information gives us power to make decisions and choices, but we must be careful to take time to make sense of the information. We must turn the information into knowledge and use that knowledge to make wise and considered decisions.

From the perspective of political equality, new ICTs offer the opportunity for more active participants in politics. Information and communications technologies provide people with a vast array of different information sources which are accessible at any time. Information and communications technologies also provide a forum to those people who might previously have been unable or unwilling to engage in debate on issues of concern to them. Democracy will be protected if citizens have access to information and the freedom to give their opinions and views.

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Things to watch out for

Information and communications technologies can provide ways to protect democracy, but people must remain cautious with its use. Democracy requires time, consideration and patience, but ICTs demand speed and instantaneous response.

Technology can be easily misused. It is important that the power of computing does not lead to corrupt behaviour. Information and communications technologies will allow governments the increased ability to scrutinise the lives of their citizens and monitor their behaviour. They could do this by tracking and storing large amounts of information. It is important that the privacy of citizens is protected.

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Democracies will remain strong and successful if every citizen plays a part in protecting them. Technology on its own will not keep a democracy strong, but it can play a part. It is the quality of the political institutions and the efforts of the citizens that will sustain democracies.