The way governments function and engage with their constituents has been completely transformed by technology. Technology has been essential in boosting governmental effectiveness and reducing levels of corruption in Asia and Latin America. Here are several instances, statistics, and particular incidents that show how technology has improved certain areas.
Government services are becoming more digital
Citizens can now more easily obtain government services without having to engage in person thanks to e-governance technology. This has improved the effectiveness of state services while also reducing potential for corruption in the form of bribes and favoritism. For instance, the implementation of the Aadhaar system in India has made it simpler for citizens to access government services like healthcare, pensions, and subsidies. Aadhaar is a distinctive identifying number connected to biometric data. E-filing methods have also made it simpler for people to file their taxes and decreased the likelihood of fraud and embezzlement. According to Times of India data shows that the Unique Identification Authority of India has issued 81.78 Crore cards, covering nearly 67% of the population. This has made the transfer of subsidies easier and the identification of the unwieldy ones.
Transparency
Because it is now simpler to track and oversee government transactions, there is less chance of corruption and theft. For instance, the Open Contracting Partnership, a global project to improve procurement process openness, has leveraged technology to make information on government contracting accessible to the general public. Because of the increased accountability and transparency, corruption in government procurement procedures has been reduced. For instance, in Colombia organizations that use competitive procurement techniques exhibit more competitiveness and a wider range of providers. On average, there are 17% more bidders for tenders. Participation increased by three times in some places and institutions. Time is saved for everyone by using standard contracts and bid documents. Open contracting, however, has had an immediate impact on pupils in Bogota’s schools in addition to improving chances for businesses. The national public procurement agency and the department of education used open contracting data to dismantle a US$22 million price-fixing system and guarantee 900,000 high-quality meals for schoolchildren each day. Meal suppliers now have 55 instead of 12, which boosts productivity and lowers costs without sacrificing quality. Further advantages will result from accelerating the transition to the superior SECOP II system and enhancing the stability of the API used to access open contracting data.
Improved Communication
Because cellphones and other digital devices are so widely used, it is simpler for citizens to denounce misconduct and offer proof. In Mexico, residents have access to information about their government and can denounce corruption and unethical behavior through the “Transparency Portal.” This tool aims to provide citizens with access to the most requested content by the users of this institution’s website, as well as proactive localization and open data, where artificial intelligence will help solve the most frequent doubts of citizens. It is necessary to emphasize that this exercise arose in response to the actions that, as an obligated entity, are implemented for the construction of useful information.
Enhanced Data Management
Data tampering and fraud are less likely now because it is simpler to handle and evaluate data thanks to electronic record-keeping methods. For instance, the e-KTP (electronic identity card) system in Indonesia has enhanced the administration of residents’ personal data, lowering the likelihood of fraud and data manipulation. The government is attempting to register millions of people for this electronic national identity card, or e-KTP, at registration centers where their fingerprint, iris, and face are photographed using biometric technology, and personal data is stored as a record linked to each electronic identity card. With this advances the government will be more capable of finding false documentations that in the past were used to commit terrorist attacks.
Sustainable Development
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) created the SDG in Action app as an interactive tool to assist people and organizations in monitoring their progress toward the SDGs. The app gives users access to tools, news, and data as well as information on each of the 17 goals. Users can establish their own goals, monitor their development over time, and interact with other people who share their aims. Since its release in 2018, the app has garnered positive reviews from customers and has been downloaded more than 600,000 times.
Numerous nations in Asia have accepted the SDGs and are monitoring their progress using the SDG in Action app. Thailand is one instance, which has recently made important progress toward attaining the SDGs. Thailand has made progress toward many of the 2030 Agenda’s goals, including lowering poverty, expanding access to education, and advancing gender equality, according to the country’s National Voluntary Assessment on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda. However there are still issues, particularly with regard to economic injustice and environmental sustainability. The Thai government has created a sustainable development roadmap to address these issues, and it is utilizing the SDG in Action app to monitor its advancement.
In addition, the Thai government has collaborated with the UNDP and other groups to create creative answers to some of the most urgent problems facing the nation. For instance, the UNDP collaborated with the Thai government and business community to create a sustainable tourism program that fosters economic growth while protecting the environment and native traditions. The program has been effective in boosting tourism-related income and minimizing its detrimental effects on the environment and local residents. This is but one illustration of how the SDGs and the SDG in Action app are being utilized across Asia to encourage sustainable development.
In conclusion, technology has significantly aided in reducing corruption and raising governmental effectiveness in Asia and Latin America. It’s crucial to remember that technology cannot eliminate corruption, and that its efficacy in doing so depends on a variety of factors, including governments’ willingness to enact and enforce anti-corruption laws, the existence of an independent judiciary, and the population’s level of civic engagement. However, technology has the ability to improve governance and aid in the development of more open and effective processes in these areas.