Digital Democracy with Audrey Tang

Government Bureaucracy

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Audrey Tang is a Taiwanese software developer, entrepreneur, and open government and open data activist. She is known for her work on open source software and her contributions to the development of the Ruby programming language. In 2016, she was appointed as a minister without portfolio in the Taiwanese government, making her the world’s first openly transgender cabinet minister. As an advocate for open government and open data, Tang has worked to promote the use of technology to increase transparency and participation in government.

What is the Digital Ministry in Taiwan’s Responsibilities?

The Digital Minister of Taiwan, also known as the Minister Without Portfolio in charge of Digital Affairs, is a cabinet-level position in the Taiwanese government responsible for overseeing the country’s digital policy and initiatives. The Digital Minister works to promote the development and adoption of digital technologies in Taiwan, with a focus on increasing the competitiveness of the Taiwanese economy and improving the delivery of public services. The Digital Minister also plays a key role in promoting the use of technology to increase transparency and participation in government, and in developing policies related to issues such as cybersecurity and the protection of personal data. Audrey Tang currently holds the position of Digital Minister in Taiwan.

What does Radical Transparency Mean in Taiwan?

Taiwan has a reputation for having a relatively transparent government, with strong freedom of the press and freedom of information laws. The Taiwanese government has made efforts to increase transparency in recent years, including through the adoption of open data initiatives and the use of technology to improve access to information.

Taiwan has a strong tradition of government transparency and has implemented a number of measures to increase transparency and accountability in the public sector. For example, Taiwan has Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation that allows individuals to request access to government documents and information. Taiwan also has a number of open data initiatives, which make government data publicly available in machine-readable formats, allowing citizens and organizations to use and analyze the data to hold the government accountable and improve the delivery of public services. Additionally, Taiwan has implemented a number of e-government initiatives to make it easier for citizens to access public services and information online, including the use of electronic voting and the development of online platforms for submitting and tracking the status of FOI requests.

What are Some Examples of E-Government Initiatives in Taiwan?

There are a number of e-government initiatives in Taiwan that aim to improve the delivery of public services and increase transparency and accountability in the government. Some examples of e-government initiatives in Taiwan include:

  1. Electronic voting: Taiwan has implemented electronic voting systems to make it easier for citizens to participate in elections and referenda.
  2. Online platforms for submitting and tracking FOI requests: Taiwan has developed online platforms that allow individuals to submit Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and track the status of their requests.
  3. Online platform for tracking the progress of legislative bills: Taiwan has developed an online platform that allows citizens to track the progress of legislative bills and provide feedback on proposed legislation.
  4. Mobile app for accessing government services: Taiwan has developed a mobile app that allows citizens to access a range of government services, including applying for permits and licenses, paying fees, and accessing information about public services.
  5. Open data initiatives: Taiwan has implemented a number of open data initiatives that make government data publicly available in machine-readable formats, allowing citizens and organizations to use and analyze the data to hold the government accountable and improve the delivery of public services.

Are People Happy with e-Government Services in Taiwan?

It is difficult to determine the overall level of satisfaction with e-government initiatives in Taiwan, as people’s experiences and opinions may vary. However, e-government initiatives have generally been well-received in Taiwan and have been successful in improving the delivery of public services and increasing transparency and accountability in the government sector. For example, the implementation of electronic voting has made it easier for citizens to participate in elections and referenda, and online platforms for submitting and tracking FOI requests have made it easier for citizens to access government information. Additionally, open data initiatives have made it easier for citizens and organizations to use and analyze government data to hold the government accountable and improve the delivery of public services.

However, as with any large-scale technological change, there may be some challenges and issues that need to be addressed. For example, there may be concerns about cybersecurity and the protection of personal data, and there may be some citizens who are not familiar with or comfortable using technology to access government services. Overall, it is important for the Taiwanese government to continue to listen to the needs and concerns of citizens and to work to address any issues that may arise as it continues to develop and implement e-government initiatives.

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