Digital Governance and Democratic Accountability: An International Legal Perspective

Authors

Setiyowati Setiyowati Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Semarang, Semarang
Bahtiar Efendi Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, Semarang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54518/ldi.3.1.2025.1316

Keywords:

Digital Governance, Democratic Accountability, E-Government, Transparency, Citizen Participation, International Governance

Abstract

Digital governance has transformed the relationship between governments and citizens by expanding opportunities for transparency, accountability, and public participation. This study examines the role of digital governance in strengthening democratic accountability through a normative juridical method. By employing a statutory and comparative approach, the study analyzes international legal instruments including the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Artificial Intelligence Act alongside soft-law frameworks established by the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The findings indicate that digital governance contributes to democratic accountability by improving access to information, enhancing citizen engagement, strengthening institutional responsiveness, and supporting open government initiatives. A comparative evaluation of these legal systems demonstrates that international governance frameworks provide critical normative guidance for accountable and citizen-centered digital transformation. However, challenges related to artificial intelligence, data governance, cybersecurity, digital trust, and digital inclusion continue to affect governance effectiveness. Addressing these issues requires aligning domestic legal frameworks with international human rights standards and cross-border digital governance principles

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Setiyowati, S., & Efendi, B. (2025). Digital Governance and Democratic Accountability: An International Legal Perspective. Law and Democracy Insight, 3(1), 12–39. https://doi.org/10.54518/ldi.3.1.2025.1316