ESDiT Publications

@inbook{IJsselsteijn2019,

title = {The digital transformation, behavioural influencing, and the government. The slippery slope from nudging to überveillance},

author = {Wijnand A. IJsselsteijn},

url = {https://www.nldigitalgovernment.nl/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/11/appropriate-use-of-data-in-public-space.pdf},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-04-01},

urldate = {2019-04-01},

booktitle = {Appropriate use of data in public space; From dialogue groups to new policy proposals},

publisher = {Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties},

address = {The Hague},

abstract = {The digital transformation of society is a fast-moving process that is fundamentally changing the world we live in. It is something the public sector must be at the forefront of, because it introduces both unprecedented potential and new challenges for society. A few pioneering cities are experimenting with digital technology in the public space, in smart city projects and in living labs, to both increase the efficiency of government services and to improve the liveability and sustainability of the urban environment. In areas of active prevention policy (safety, public health, environment), the government is considering the potential for the use of digital resources in the public space, such as sensors, ‘big data’ applications and artificial intelligence to measure, predict and influence the behaviour of the public.



These can be applied in a wide range of interventions; examples include smart street lighting used to prevent aggression, or an interactive park walk designed to encourage an active lifestyle. The actions used to influence behaviour are referred to as ‘persuasive technology’ or ‘nudging’, and the ideas behind them are broadly derived from the field of psychology. The potential to influence behaviour in the public space using digital technology comes paired with a host of sometimes difficult technical, social, legal and ethical considerations.



How, and to what extent, should the government be allowed to use public data flows, artificial intelligence and psychological persuasion techniques to influence the public’s behaviour towards the desired? And how must the government regulate itself when faced with the temptations of power and control that comes along with the digital transformation? In this essay, I will take a close look at the potential and limitations of the digital technology being used to influence behaviour, and consider the ethical questions that arise when a government starts down the slippery slope from nudging to überveillance.  Along with a critical analysis, this essay will also propose solutions based on participatory design and digital literacy.},

keywords = {Behavioral influence, Digital transformation, Governance, Nudging, Surveillance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inbook}

}