Ethical Issues with ICT & AI in Governance

1 Privacy and Data Protection

• ICT and AI systems collect large volumes of personal data (biometric, health, financial).
• Risk of data misuse, leakage, or unauthorised surveillance.

Example: Aadhaar-linked databases, facial recognition systems.

Ethical concern: Violation of Right to Privacy (Article 21).

2. Surveillance and Loss of Civil Liberties

• AI-enabled surveillance may lead to mass monitoring.
• Citizens may feel constantly watched, affecting freedom of expression and dissent.

Example: CCTV + facial recognition in public spaces.

Ethical dilemma: Security vs Liberty

3 Algorithmic Bias and Discrimination

• AI systems learn from historical data which may be biased.
• Can result in unfair targeting or exclusion of certain groups.

Example: AI wrongly flagging welfare beneficiaries or crime suspects.

Ethical issue: Violation of justice, equality, and fairness.

4 Lack of Transparency (Black Box Problem)

• AI decisions are often opaque and non-explainable.
• Citizens may not understand why a decision was taken.

Example: Rejection of loan, welfare benefit, or service delivery by algorithm.

Ethical concern: Absence of reasoned decision-making.

5. Accountability Gap

• Difficult to fix responsibility when AI systems cause harm.
• Who is responsible?
• Programmer?
• Vendor?
• Government official?

Ethical issue: Dilution of public accountability.

6. Digital Divide and Exclusion

• Heavy reliance on ICT excludes:
• Elderly
• Poor
• Rural population
• Digitally illiterate citizens

Example: Online-only service delivery.

Ethical concern: Equity and inclusiveness.

7. Dehumanisation of Governance

• Excessive automation reduces human empathy and discretion.
• Ethical and contextual judgement may be ignored.

Example: Automated welfare decisions without human appeal.

Ethical issue: Governance becoming mechanical rather than humane.

8. Data Security and Cyber Risks

• Government databases are vulnerable to:
• Hacking
• Ransomware
• Cyber espionage

Ethical concern: Breach of public trust and national security.

9. Over-reliance on Technology

• Blind faith in AI outputs may discourage critical thinking by officials.
• Errors may go unquestioned.

10. Consent and Informed Use

• Citizens may not know:
• How their data is used
• For what purpose
• For how long

Ethical concern: Violation of informed consent.