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Digital tools must be used as shields and not weapons
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Context
Digital technologies have revolutionized governance, citizen engagement, and electoral processes in India. However, their dual nature poses both opportunities for empowerment and risks of misuse, particularly in the context of misinformation and electoral integrity.
Digital Transformation in Policymaking
- Tech-Led Governance: Ministries and government departments have embraced digital tools to raise transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Performance dashboards, social media handles, and grievance redressal mechanisms like Twitter Seva have become standard features of governance.
- Innovative Schemes and Digital Platforms: The success of tech-led governance is visible in various innovative schemes and digital platforms such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Digilocker, UPI, Fastag, GSTN, DBT system, Jeevan Pramaan, and MyGov.
Impact on Elections
- Upgraded Election Machinery: India’s election machinery has also been upgraded with Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines along with Electronic Voting Machines.
- Rise of Social Media: The rise of social media has had a significant impact on elections. Memes, AI-generated content, and synthetic videos have dominated social media, influencing voter perceptions.
Challenges and Risks
- Spread of Misinformation and Deepfakes: While technology has empowered political campaigns, it has also amplified the spread of misinformation and deepfakes. AI-generated videos can manipulate speeches, alter facial expressions, and create entirely fabricated scenarios, making it difficult for viewers to discern truth from falsehood.
Way Forward
- Digital Tools as Shields: As we move ahead, we must aim to ensure that digital tools work as shields rather than weapons. They should be used to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability, rather than to spread misinformation and manipulate public opinion.
UPSC Mains Questions
Q. Discuss the role of digital technologies in transforming Indian policymaking and governance. What are the key innovative schemes and digital platforms that have emerged as a result of this transformation?
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