The UN's e-government index, based on provision of online government services and the country's internet infrastructure, ranks the US in first place followed by Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. South Korea, Brazil, Kuwait and Estonia are also classified among the 35 "global leaders".
However, the report notes that only about one in five or fewer of those with internet access contact government sites, citing security and privacy fears among other factors. Just 17 countries - 9 per cent of UN member states - allow citizens to pay taxes or other charges online.
When it comes to what the report calls e-participation - the extent to which citizens can interact with government - the UK edges out the US to lead the rankings. Chile ties with Canada for third place and Estonia, the Philippines, Mexico and Argentina feature in the top 12. While only 15 governments currently offer people the opportunity to comment online on policy issues, this is an area that is expected to expand in the future.
"Many governments turn to internet-based services as a way to cut red tape or to spread digital infrastructure," José Antonio Ocampo, UN undersecretary-general for economic and social affairs, said yesterday, "but we also see the internet as a means of advancing and consolidating transparency and democracy into the overall practice of public administration."
The report comes ahead of next month's Geneva world summit on the information society, which will also discuss issues relating to e-governance, transparency and freedom of information.
Quelle: FT.com, 04.11.2003
