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Welcome to
Global Intellectual Property and Technology Centre (G-IPTech)

E-Democracy

Our research on e-Democracy, focuses on the intersection of technology and democracy, particularly the use of digital tools and platforms in the political process. We strive to explore the challenges and opportunities for promoting and enhancing democracy and governance in the digital space. Our research areas include:

(1) Impact of Digital Technologies on Political Participation: We investigate the influence of digital technologies, including social media, on political participation. We analyze how these tools can either support or hinder civic engagement.

(2) Role of Digital Technologies in Political Transparency and Accountability: We examine the role of digital tools in promoting political transparency and accountability. This includes monitoring and reporting on elections and political processes.

(3) Technology and Electoral Processes: Our research delves into the use of digital tools for voting, voter registration, and election administration. We explore the potential benefits and challenges associated with technology in electoral processes.

(4) Impact of Algorithms and AI on Political Discourse and Decision-Making: We analyze the impact of algorithms and artificial intelligence on political discourse and decision-making. We investigate potential issues such as bias, manipulation, and propaganda in the digital space.

(5) Digital Technologies for Democratic Innovations: We explore the potential of digital technologies in supporting democratic innovations, such as participatory budgeting and citizen deliberation. We assess their effectiveness and identify best practices.

(6) Technology and the Protection of Human Rights in the Political Process: Our research investigates the intersection of technology and the protection of human rights in the political arena. We focus on rights such as freedom of expression, privacy, and the right to a fair trial.

As a research team, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge in the field of e-Democracy. We strive to provide insights into the impacts, challenges, and opportunities arising from the use of digital tools and platforms in the political sphere.

People

Prof John Morison

Dr Ciarán O’Kelly

Publications

J Morison, 'Towards a Democratic Singularity? Algorithmic Governmentality, the Eradication of Politics, and the Possibility of Resistance' in S Deakin and C Markou (eds), Is Law Computable? : Critical Perspectives on Law & Artificial Intelligence (Hart Publishing 2020).

J Cobbe and J Morison, 'Understanding the Smart City: Framing the challenges for law and good governance' in J-B Auby, É Chevalier, and E Slautsky (eds), Le Futur de Droit Administratif / The Future of Administrative Law(LexisNexis, 2019).

J Danaher et al., 'Algorithmic governance: Developing a research agenda through the power of collective intelligence' (2017) Big Data and Society 4(2) 1-21.

J Morison, 'Algorithmic Governmentality: Techo-optimism and the Move towards the Dark Side' (2016) 27(3) Computers and Law.

A Power and J Morison, The rise of the digital citizen-stakeholder: rebalancing multistakeholder governance (Internet Society, 22 Oct 2014).

J Morison, 'Gov 2.0: Towards a User Generated State?' (2010) 73 Modern Law Review 551-577.

J Morison, 'The Future of e-Government: Transparency and New Information Agenda' in A Pottakis (ed), Transparency and Reform of Administrative Procedures (Esperia 2010) 257-280.

D O'Donnell, P McCusker, G Honor Fagan, S Stephens, D R Newman, J Morison and M Murray, 'Addressing the real world of public consultation: Whither E-Consultation?' in Understanding E-Government in Europe: Issues and Challenges (Routledge 2009) 113-128.

J Morison, 'Governance and Democracy: From e-Consultation to e-Participation' in S Flogaitis, U Karpen, and A Masucci (eds), E-Government and E-Democracy (Esperia 2006) 221-246.

J Morison, 'Modernised Government and Engaged Civil Society: Technologies for Governance and Democracy' in D Remenyi (ed), Towards Innovative Transformation in the Public Sector: Papers from the 4th European Conference on e-Government (Department of the Taoiseach 2004) 573-583.

J Morison, '"e-democracy: on-line civic space and the renewal of democracy?"' (2004) XVII Canadian Journal of Law and Jurisprudence 129-142.

J Morison, 'Modernising Government and the e-Government Revolution: Technologies of Government and Technologies of Democracy' in P Leyland and N Bamforth (eds), Public Law in a Multi-Layered Constitution (Hart Publishing 2003) 157-188.

J Morison, 'On-line Government and e-constitutionalism' (2003) Public Law 14-23.

J Morison, 'On-line government and e-democracy: A new framework for governance in Europe?' in G Amato, G Braibant and E Venizelos (eds), The Constitutional Revision in Today's Europe (Esperia/Bruylant 2002) 499-530.

J Morison and D Newman, 'On-line Citizenship: Consultation and Participation in New Labour's Britain and beyond' (2001) 15(2) International Review of Law, Computers And Technology 171-194.