Electronic Democracy in the Information Society: Prospects for Implementation and Problems of Implementation

In the contemporary information society, where information technologies increasingly permeate all spheres of life, electronic democracy becomes ever more relevant and promising. This is a novel approach to citizen participation in decision-making, where the primary tools are digital platforms and Internet technologies. One of the key perspectives of implementing electronic democracy is the expansion of participation accessibility for all population segments. The Internet makes it possible to overcome geographical and social barriers, providing citizens with the opportunity to express their opinions and participate in the decision-making process irrespective of their place of residence or social status. However, despite the prospects, the implementation of electronic democracy also faces challenges, one of which is the uneven distribution of access to Internet technologies. In certain regions and for specific population groups, Internet access is limited or nonexistent, creating obstacles to participation in electronic democracy. Additionally, concerns exist regarding the security of data and the privacy of citizens. With the increased use of digital platforms, the risks of hacking attacks and leaks of confidential information grow, potentially undermining citizens’ trust in electronic democracy. Another problem is the lack of awareness and the quality of the discussed issues. Electronic democracy platforms often encounter noisy and trivial discussions, complicating the decision-making process. Furthermore, there is a danger of manipulating public opinion through mass media and social networks. This research explores the key factors influencing the formation and development as well as the main problems associated with the implementation and widespread use of electronic democracy tools in Russia and across the world.