Open government thrives when people can freely access government information and services, share opinions and information among themselves and with their leaders, and act individually and collectively to influence decision-making and hold governments accountable—both online and offline. While the internet and digital tools can play an important role in empowering the public, more action is needed to ensure that these spaces enable robust civic action and participation.
This three-part series highlights recommendations from the International Center for Not-for Profit Law’s (ICNL) Enhancing Digital Civic Space through the OGP Process, focusing on specific policy areas: Promoting Access to an Open and Free Internet, Digital ID, and Addressing Harmful Information Online. Each blog also links to more extensive guidance documents on how governments can protect vital digital democratic infrastructure and promote the ability of individuals to exercise freedoms and contribute to open government online.
Disinformation, online gender-based violence (GBV), and hate speech greatly impact online civic space and democratic processes. Governments should take steps to promote healthy and safe information ecosystems online while also protecting the exercise of online civic freedoms.
The right to seek and share information is a fundamental element of free expression and a core component of the freedom of association and assembly. When digital identification systems make it harder to seek information or increase the threat of surveillance and harassment, they impede these fundamental freedoms.
Access to an open and free internet is integral to individuals’ and organizations’ ability to exercise fundamental freedoms online, and to benefit from, and contribute to, digital open government initiatives.
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