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Digital Planet: Technology and Democracy

Factual: Science & Nature

Tens of thousands of democracy protesters hold up lights from their mobiles during speeches October 4, 2014 in Hong Kong

20/01/2015

Technology and Democracy

BBC World Service - Digital Planet, Technology and Democracy

A special report on how technology has influenced the evolution of democracy

A panel of international experts look at how the rise of technology is creating more transparency and giving voice to democracy, but also whether that’s worrisome for governments

The 15th Century Gutenberg printing press revolutionised democracy with its startling possibilities of rapid and widespread dissemination of information. Might we now be in the midst of a new revolution - with digital technology the hinge on which democracy turns. 

But what do we know of the internet’s lasting impact – its immediate impact chronicled through hashtags and other signifiers has been apparent. 

Yet, 750 years on from the first British parliament – of government for the people, by the people - might technology prove to be the charge that reignites the tired and cynical processes of democracy? Equally there are real dangers to democracy and the rule of law – a consequence of our headlong embrace of digital tools and technology. 

On the positive side the Arab Spring, public data sharing and wireless networks have improved lives in cities, and crowd-sourcing platforms such as Ushahidi which aim to curb violence in elections. But then deficits are also dramatic - the mammoth and invasive NSA surveillance and cyberbullying campaigns such as that evidenced by Gamergate – to name one or two. 
 
Joining Click from the BBC Radio Theatre to discuss the relation of technology to democracy, for the BBC's Democracy Day is Arvind Gupta, head of National Technology for India’s governing BJP Bharatiya Janata Party, Twitter’s general counsel, Vijaya Gadde, Rick Falkvinge, the founder of Sweden’s Pirate Party, and Emma Mulqueeny, founder of Rewired State.

(Photo: Tens of thousands of democracy protesters hold up lights from their mobiles during speeches, Hong Kong, 2014 © Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)

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