Benefits Of Laws That Capitalise On Technology

Delegates at the Commonwealth Regional Workshop on Law and Technology for the Pacific Region, Wellington, New Zealand, 1 November 2004.

Laws that allow the best use of technology will benefit governments and communities, said the Attorney-General and Associate Minister of Justice of New Zealand, Margaret Ann Wilson. She was speaking at the opening of the five-day Commonwealth Regional Workshop on Law and Technology for the Pacific Region in Wellington, New Zealand, on 1 November 2004.

Ms Wilson noted that the advances in information and communications technology (ICT) and privacy law often intersect, increasing the capacity to identify, collect, store and use information about individuals. "Privacy law must continue to provide a meaningful framework in which the privacy interests of the individual can be balanced fairly with business, government or private interests in embracing new technology. Special privacy protections have to be developed to deal with specific technology issues such as anti-spam legislation."  

She stated that electronic governance (eGovernance) allied with appropriate laws can help sustain trust in government, provide strong social services and promote an inclusive, innovative economy that benefits all.

Professor Victor Ayeni, Director of the Governance and Institutional Development Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat, attending the event said new laws on eGovernance should be developed to keep pace with advancements in ICT to safeguard the conduct of business and to combat new forms of crime, especially in cyberspace.

"ICT facilitates the process of administration of government and delivery of public services. It promotes consultation between governments and citizens thereby empowering the people and civil society. It also enhances partnerships between governments and facilitates collaborations between governments and businesses."

He added that the introduction of new laws should provide easy access to information while protecting the individual's privacy.

"This workshop provides a catalytic impetus to assist member countries in building capacity for eGovernance, electronic evidence, electronic transactions, privacy, freedom of information and countering computer and computer-related crimes. We have a focused environment around which dialogues and a sharing of experiences can be derived."

Professor Ayeni said consultation is needed to develop national legislation to ensure that laws are adapted to fit national circumstances, taking into account different levels of development. He stated the Secretariat has developed a public sector informatics programme and provided technical assistance in support of the national eGovernance masterplans of Mauritius and Lesotho. Workshops on eGovernance have also been organised for the Southern African Development Community.

 

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 208  3 November 2004