Accessing Information in the Digital Era: Artificial Intelligence, e-Governance and Access to Information
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and e-Governance can play an important role to improve access to information in our digital world. They can help bridge the digital divide, by giving citizens access to tailor-made and accessible information and assure services are more efficient. Citizens can access public sector information and services nearly instantly in a transparent and accessible way.
However, these developments also raise questions about fundamental rights and ethical use of Al and e-Governance by public institutions. Since AI uses citizen data, how do we protect the privacy of citizens and trust those who are shaping the future of AI? How can we ensure AI and e-Governance are built for the benefit of all, including women, persons with disabilities and marginalized groups?
It is clear that everyone is influenced in one way or another and daily-life is increasingly being impacted by new technologies.
Participants at the upcoming global 2022 celebrations of Universal Access to Information will adopt the Tashkent Declaration that will reaffirm the commitment by Member States to recognising and respecting the fundamental right of access to information and will cover the principles of good governance and related issues raised by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies with regard to access to information. Developed by experts to address new challenges raised by the impact of digitalization, it seeks to reaffirm the commitment to the right to access information, which is crucial to the advancement of human rights and to sustainable development.
Invitation - participate and pave way of future of AI and e-Governance for Access to Information.
UNDP and UNESCO promote multi-stakeholder engagement and accountability by jointly launching this global online eConsultation. This initiative provides an opportunity to any registered Hub user to provide feedback, views, questions, comments and concerns on the Tashkent Declaration and how it can best respond to current trends and challenges – in line with Agenda 2030. This Declaration will be adopted during the global celebrations of International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) on 28 September 2022.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE?
Post your contribution in the comment box (below) guided by the below mentioned questions which have been shared to help frame the discussion. Or you can reflect on previously posted comments or any other related issues.
- How could AI and e-Governance enhance the right to Access to Information?
- How much can we rely on AI and e-Governance to access public information, and how can we make sure that of AI and e-Governance services do not leave any one behind?
- What are the incentives and policies to entice governments and citizens to embrace the latest tools in support of e-Governance and AI?
- How can citizen’s rights be guaranteed when e-governance services are outsourced?
Which mechanisms should be put in place to ensure transparency and accountability of the use of Artificial Intelligence in e-governance and decision making? - How can privacy and personal data be protected in the age of digital governance and transparency and open data?
There might be multiple themes emerging from the discussion, and many different aspects to consider while outlining the opportunities and challenges of accessing information in the digital era. We hope this forum can help provide a space to discuss your view on how the Tashkent Declaration captures the current trends, and how could it be implemented.
Contributions are open until the 23rd September, 2022. We look forward to a fruitful e-discussion with you!
