Tech for participatory democracy?

August 15, 2024 11:48 PM

This is a two-part question. 1. The specific: In the past year or so, I came across an article about, I think, South Korea, using technology to involve everyday citizens more in making government decisions. I think it focused on a certain platform. My memory is that this technology surveyed people and then helped somehow show options or bubble up consensus. Can you help me find any info on that?

2. The general -- I am also interested in other current, past or potential uses of technology to advance democracy, especially participation, and especially with local government. So I am interested in other info or comments on that.

posted by NotLost to Law & Government (5 answers total)

It sounds like the initiative you are talking about might be a part of the GovTech program - a World Bank initiative that is being used in South Korea - youtube video.
posted by rongorongo at 12:33 AM on August 16 [1 favorite]

2. Rahvaalgatus.ee, "a digital platform in Estonia that enables citizens to create and discuss citizen-led grassroots initiatives, collect public support, and submit ideas to their local government."
posted by Iris Gambol at 12:52 AM on August 16 [2 favorites]

Best answer: This sounds like vTaiwan and its use of Polis.
posted by kyten at 1:27 AM on August 16 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Thanks, kyten! I was thinking Taiwan and Polis.
posted by NotLost at 6:33 AM on August 16

Singapore has a bunch of digital initiatives to get feedback from people and involve them early on in government projects. You want to Google GovTech + Singapore.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 8:23 PM on August 16 [1 favorite]