HARNESSING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES TO COMBAT CORRUPTION AND INCREASE TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT
Keywords:
corruption, anti-corruption, e-government, big data, analytics, blockchain, transparency, accountability, technologyAbstract
Corruption remains a major challenge facing governments worldwide, undermining development, reducing trust in public institutions, and hindering the effective delivery of services. This article examines how emerging technologies like e-government services, big data analytics, and blockchain hold promise to help curb corruption and improve transparency and accountability in the public sector. An overview is provided of corruption’s impacts and the role technology can play in anti-corruption efforts. The unique capabilities of e-government, big data, and blockchain to reduce bureaucratic red tape, detect fraud and misuse of funds, decrease human intervention in processes, and increase visibility into government operations are analyzed. Examples are presented of successful implementation of these technologies for anti-corruption purposes in countries like India, South Korea, and Georgia. Challenges and limitations of these technologies are also discussed, including privacy tradeoffs, automation biases, and access barriers in developing countries. The article concludes that, while not a magic bullet solution, emerging technologies enable new approaches and tools for combating corruption globally if harnessed responsibly. Further research is needed to develop context-specific implementation strategies and frameworks to maximize their benefits while mitigating risks.
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