ICT and E-Governance

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

• Abbreviated as ICT, it encompasses various technological tools for transmitting, storing, creating, sharing, or exchanging information
• Includes computers, internet (websites, blogs, emails), live broadcasting (radio, television, webcasting), recorded media (podcasts, audio/video players), storage devices, fixed/mobile phones, satellite communication, and video conferencing.

Role of ICT in Government (E-Governance)

• ICT empowers decision-making by providing public officials, legislators, and citizens access to government websites, databases, and online portals
• Ensures accountability and transparency due to easy information access, allowing citizens to track applications and public projects
• Electronic publishing and broadcasting along with the internet have reshaped government communication
• Information is disseminated through email newsletters, social media, and specialized websites
• MyGov, an Indian government platform, facilitates communication with citizens on policy announcements and public welfare programs/changes
• ICT expansion aids modeling and simulation for understanding complex systems
• Meteorological departments collect information, model weather systems, and predict weather accurately
• These forecasts are crucial for daily activities, agriculture, and disaster reduction, enabling timely evacuations
• ICTs enhance efficiency and accessibility in online business and government transactions, like filing tax returns and paying utility bills
• The Digital India initiative exemplifies impactful ICT use as people can access government services via e-District, DigiLocker, and BBPS from home
• Reduces the need to visit government offices, decreasing red tape and corruption
• Mobile apps and online portals have expedited utility bill payments and tax filings
• ICTs streamline acquiring official documents like marriage/birth certificates and property papers
• E-District and related services create a transparent, efficient one-stop center for various certifications/documentation
• Electronic conferences democratize information exchange, fostering new ways of sharing information and making decisions
• They increase attendance, reduce costs by eliminating venue needs, and empower public consultations, meetings, and training via platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and WebEx
• Enables greater participation from different regions, saving time and money
• The elimination of conventional travel, hotel, and venue expenses associated with traditional conferences occurs with phone and video conferences.
• These resources facilitate better allocation, with those unable to attend physically participating digitally, expanding involvement
• Electronic conferences promote openness and accessibility, with recording and publishing fostering transparency and accountability in decision-making
• Serve as platforms for underrepresented communities to voice opinions and engage in policy discussions

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8297: ELECTRONIC COMMERCE ACT OF 2000

• Recognizes the vital role of ICT in nation-building, promoting an information-friendly environment that supports availability, diversity, and affordability
• Obligates the state to facilitate technology transfer, ensure network security/neutrality, and deploy national information infrastructures

Digital Transformation in Philippine Agencies

• E-GOV APP aims to streamline citizen access to government services via unified digital platforms
• DICT launched its e-gov app in 2023, enabling citizens to pay bills, renew licenses, and register businesses
• PHILYS (Philippine Identification System) simplifies transactions by creating a national ID system consolidating personal information, replacing multiple IDs with PSA's PhilID
• National Broadband Plan aims to improve internet connectivity, including DICT's Free Wi-Fi in public transportation hubs and rural areas
• Governments are transitioning transactions to digital payments for transparency, such as the BIR's use of GCash and PayMaya
• Smart Transportation Systems aim to reduce traffic congestion, exemplified by Department of Transportation's cashless policy through RFID-based expressway tolls since 2020

DICT Initiatives

• The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is responsible for planning, developing, and promoting the national ICT development agenda, joining the Initiative in January 2020
• DICT operates digital skills programs for public/private sectors and remote rural communities
• The National Broadband Plan enhances internet connectivity by improving broadband infrastructure, including fiber optic cables in underserved areas, ensuring Filipinos have fast, reliable internet for a better digital experience
• The Free Wi-Fi for All Program offers free internet access in public places like parks, schools, hospitals, and government offices, especially in rural and underserved areas, aiming to bridge the digital divide for education and work resources
• The National ICT Ecosystem Framework is a strategic guide for the country's ICT development, aligning infrastructure, digital governance, and digital literacy with national goals to enhance the ICT landscape, governance, and the digital economy
• The E-Government Master Plan transitions government services to digital platforms aiming to improve efficiency and accessibility, creating a responsive public administration by digitizing processes and encouraging online transactions
• The Digital Literacy and Skills Development initiative increases digital literacy across society for the digital economy and builds a skilled workforce adapting to technological changes
• Cybersecurity Initiatives ensure government, business, and individual data security via cybersecurity measures and protect critical information infrastructure to prevent cybercrimes, ensuring a safer online environment.
• ICT for Education aims to improve access to quality education by integrating ICT tools and resources in schools and universities, creating an environment where students/teachers maximize digital tools for learning, especially in remote areas
• The Digital Transformation of MSMEs helps transition to digital platforms to improve operations, reach more customers, and compete globally, boosting competitiveness with e-commerce, online payment systems, and digital marketing

DICT and NTC Functions

• DICT plans, develops, and promotes the national ICT development agenda
• The NTC regulates, supervises, adjudicates, and controls telecommunication, broadcast, and radio communication facilities

Risks Associated with Technology in Enterprise Governance

• Operations risk involves regular functioning of technological systems and effects on corporate operations, including human mistakes, software defects, network/cloud outages, business continuity risks, and system failures
• In 2019, a network outage caused by a router failure disrupted Google Cloud services, affecting businesses using Snapchat, Shopify, and YouTube
• Cybersecurity risk involves malware attacks, illegal access, data breaches, etc., jeopardizing the privacy, availability, and integrity of technological systems and data
• The 2022 Uber data breach exposed sensitive driver/customer information after hackers accessed internal systems via stolen credentials
• Compliance risk involves noncompliance with tech-related laws/rules/standards, including financial restrictions, industry-specific requirements, and privacy/data protection laws
• British Airways was fined £20 million in 2020 for violating GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
• Data integrity risk involves poor data quality, erroneous/incomplete data, and lack of governance/traceability, resulting in ill-informed reporting/financial decisions
• In 2018, a coding error in the U.K.'s TSB Bank financial reporting system led to incomplete data migration during an IT upgrade, affecting accounts/causing service disruptions
• Emerging tech risk involves adopting cutting-edge technologies, like web3, cloud provider convergence, generative AI, and intelligent apps, carrying security flaws, lack of standards, and unpredictable results
• In 2023, Samsung employees leaked confidential data into ChatGPT, where input is processed/stored, creating a security concern

Ethical Implications of Technology in Enterprise Governance

• The government is under pressure to stay stay competitive amidst emerging technologies, but it needs to consider the ethical implications of decisions when adopting new technologies

• Data Privacy and Security in an interconnected world has become paramount as technology companies collect personal data, raising concerns about use, storage and protection. Ethical governance necessitates robust security measures and adherence to data protection regulations to maintain trust and respect privacy rights

• Transparency and Accountability are important when adopting technologies. Organizations need transparency about how they are using data and must be accountable for adverse effects resulting from technology decisions

• Informed Consent is obtaining explicit consent before collecting, processing, or sharing data

Regulatory Compliance involves aligning technology with legal/ethical standards, reflecting a commitment to responsible corporate behavior, including data protection, cybersecurity, and AI usage, safeguarding stakeholder interests

E-Governance Act, Data Privacy Act & Cybercrime Prevention Act

• The E-Government Act of 2002, a U.S. law, was passed on December 17, 2002, and it enhances electronic government by creating a Federal Chief Information Officer in the Office of Management and Budget, also establishing guidelines for Internet-based technology
• The Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173), which is Philippine law, protects personal information and ensures its security/confidentiality in government/private sectors
• The National Privacy Commission (NPC) enforces the law, oversees compliance, aligns standards with global practices, and serves as the authority on data protection
• The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175), which is Philippine law, aligns with the Budapest Convention, and it focuses on preventing cyber offenses, including data breaches, hacking, identity theft, cybersex, and child pornography
• Originally aimed to penalize offenses under RA 9775 and RA 10173, but expanded libel laws caused controversy. The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on October 9, 2012, and extended it indefinitely in February 2020. It enables prison sentences of up to 12 years for online defamation, primarily pushed by Senator Vicente Sotto III