This Time, It’s Personal:
Freedom of Information & Privacy Under Government 2.0.
The BC Government has begun implementing its sweeping “Citizens @ The Center: Government 2.0” initiative. Meant to streamline the flow of citizen data between government bodies and service providers, these changes promise to open up “exciting opportunities for citizens to directly engage with their government.” Initiatives like the Integrated Case Management system and the recently-unveiled “Smart Care Card” will, according to the government, dramatically simplify and improve the way it provides services in this province.
But as the linkages between the private sector, civil society and government bodies become more complex, this increased sharing of data presents new challenges to individual privacy and information freedom. Whenever sensitive personal data, such as health, family service, and employment records, are in play, privacy rights must be a top priority. This is especially important as governments rush to adopt new technologies in the interest of making data transmission quicker and simpler than ever before.
What does Government 2.0 mean for citizens? What balance needs to be struck between efficient service provision and strong privacy rights? Will information flow to citizens or will Government 2.0 actually under mine efforts to improve access to information?
Come to the 2012 Information Summit and get the information YOU need.
Contact Information:
Twitter (FIPA): @BCFIPA
Email: [email protected]
