TheImpactofTheGlobalDigitalDivide - Responses

Countries and ICT capabilities Many countries are still in the initial stages of implementing ICT in policymaking due to the technology backwardness or digital divide among a different set of groups involved in the process. eGovernment cannot function successfully without the true involvement of stakeholders at different levels, and several tools like eparticipation tools and simulation tools are not available that can change the course of policy implementation to a better process. Due to the lack of funding, many initiations to encourage the participation of the public in the process, educating them on the benefits are getting nowhere. Below are some of the troubles that are mostly interrelated, faced by the citizens of countries that cannot overcome the digital divide and still lagging other countries in using ICT in policymaking. Quality of life: Quality of life index would deteriorate due to the lack of optimized policy that meets the needs of the community since their voice is not heard or included, and the worst-case possibilities are not tested on policy implementation. Sustainability: Due to the lack of ICT and participation of all the stakeholders, the policy cannot grow the community in a sustainable way, and therefore, it will very vulnerable to changes. Safety: With no sustainable environment, the safety of the people becomes questionable. Affluence: When there is no way to hear and involve most of the people, it would be easier for an affluent agent to change the policies that would benefit them. External factors would stress the government to work for them. Community divide: Since a majority is not involved in the policymaking, they may revolt against the government or against a community that’s getting benefitted, and a divide happens that would grow into violence. Climate Change: Lack of involvement accelerates climate change due to irresponsible behavior with or without knowing. Health Crises and life expectancy: All the above factors would affect people's health and in turn, life expectancy.