Since its inception, the internet has been an unparalleled element both for democracy and repression. As the pace of digitalization accelerates, how we work, education, use healthcare, engage with government & govern, and more is increasingly online.
Yet, half of all humanity remains unconnected and are being left behind just by staying where they are; still more people live in countries which are oppressive or without the policy frameworks needed to protect their rights online; leverage strict censorship, and where the spread of digital authoritarianism marches ever forward.
Mission : The CSCIS Centre for Digital Democracy’s mission is to ensure that technologies and their advancement, serve, preserve and strengthen democratic values, institutions and processes. CSCIS through its Digital Democracy Initiative advocates and promotes the safeguarding of privacy, civil and human rights.
The world’s governments must come together to strengthen democracy and human rights online.
CSCIS leads an initiative that brings together representatives from governments, NGO’s, organizations, private sector players, academia, the technology industry and civil society to make technology and associated governance work for democracy and human rights.
For more information on this initiative and how you can involved please contact info@cscis.org
The Seven Principles of Public Life + CSCIS Value Principles
The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder. This includes all those who are elected or appointed to public office, nationally and locally, and all people appointed to work in the Civil Service, local government, the police, courts and probation services, non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs), and in the health, education, social and care services. All public office-holders are both servants of the public and stewards of public resources. The principles also apply to all those in other sectors delivering public services.
1.1 Selflessness
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
1.2 Integrity
Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
1.3 Objectivity
Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
1.4 Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
1.5 Openness
Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.
1.6 Honesty
Holders of public office should be truthful.
1.7 Leadership
Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.
