Electronic Government of Korea

Online elections

2022: South Korea creates $1.1 billion online blockchain voting system

On November 24, 2022, it became known that South Korea is deploying an online voting system based on blockchain technology as part of a government project to introduce innovations in public services.

According to the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) of the Republic of Korea, blockchain is one of the most promising digital areas. The decentralized model ensures the accuracy and security of data storage and provides a high level of trust without the need for a qualified third party.

In South Korea, created an online voting system

The new blockchain-based online platform will allow election authorities to safely store information about the progress and results of voting electronically, as well as exclude possible forgery or change of documents. The Ministry of Science and ICT also said that the blockchain voting system is being created as part of a revised voting law that allows for an electronic referendum.

The South Korean government introduced an online voting program back in 2013, but initially the system was used only in the election of heads of political parties, as well as leaders in state institutions and schools. By the end of 2022, about $1.1 billion will be spent on the development of the blockchain voting system, and in 2023 investments in this area will increase. The authorities also intend to create a blockchain platform for storing information about citizens of the country: this system, in particular, will help companies receive reliable information about applicants. Blockchain technology will also be applied under the government's subsidy management program, which allows various institutions and local authorities to verify recipients and their degree of skill.^[1]

Using cloud computing

2014: US IT companies twist hands on South Korean government

On December 24, 2014, it became known that the American IT giants Google, Intel, IBM and Hewlett-Packard (HP) began to protest against the bill, according to which government organizations in South Korea will be able to use cloud services of private companies.

These amendments to the legislation are lobbied by the Ministry of Science, Information and Communication Technologies and Strategic Planning (MISP). It is planned to approve them in the National Assembly of South Korea in 2015. IT companies are pushing to repeal the bill, as it will reduce the dependence of Korean companies on foreign cloud solution providers.

"The bill includes a number of mandatory provisions that are difficult for foreign companies to follow, which puts them at a disadvantage in the market," The Korea Times quoted an IBM spokesman as saying.^[2]

The company added that the "cloud" law can be considered as an attempt to discriminate against international vendors, so they all protest against the proposed amendments.

American IT companies are protesting against a law allowing government agencies to use cloud services from private companies.

Intel recommends that the Korean authorities not burden business with new obligations, but engage in stimulating political measures, such as reducing the tax burden and providing subsidies to local representatives of the cloud market.

Google, Intel, IBM and HP sent a letter to the National Assembly stating that the new bill will change the situation throughout the cloud services industry and tighten requirements for the terms and conditions of contracts, as well as disclosure.

Korean participants in the cloud industry support an initiative that allows government agencies to use cloud services of private companies, since in this case the quality of services of local providers and protection against customer data leaks should improve.

So far, the Korean market is dominated by global players with huge capital and advanced technologies, and the bill will open up new opportunities for domestic companies and increase their competitive level, said Min Young-ki, one of the leaders of the Korea Association of Cloud Industry.

Mobile Government of Korea: Stages of Development

2003-2005

Integration of mobile government services into the existing e-government network. Project development and standardization.

2006-2007

Increase the number of services provided and their implementation.

2008-2012

Increase in the number of users of mobile e-government services.

According to Won Jae Li (September 2012), statistics on mobile users have become an incentive for the development of mobile applications in the field of e-government. Thus, according to Korean analysts, in 2012 the number of smartphones will exceed the number of computers in the country, and in 2014 the number of mobile Internet users will exceed the number of stationary users. "E-government should follow the trends that are inherent in this stage of society's development. It must keep up with the times, "the executive director of Korea's IT agency said.

According to Wong Jae Lee, as of September 2012, there are about 190 accredited agencies in Korea and about 335 providers that can provide some types of public services via SMS or MMS to user requests. About 170 websites allow you to also get the necessary services using a mobile device.

"At the same time, we also have feedback from users. About 40 state agencies have private blogs and other channels of communication with consumers, through which the latter can make their comments or express wishes on the work of the service or the department itself, "Lee said

Another reason for the transition to mobile applications, Won Jae Li pointed out the increasing popularity of micropayments using mobile phone accounts. According to him, if citizens can pay for some goods and services using electronic wallets and accounts of their phones, then why can't they get public services using the same gadgets? "Most banks release their smartphone apps because people are comfortable using the tool. We decided to provide the same opportunity when receiving public services, "he continued.

The next step, he sees authorization through a SIM card on the portal to receive the corresponding service.

In September 2012, the following plans were declared:

• The construction of a high-speed Internet access network by 2015 so that citizens of the country can use the services of the mobile government at speeds over 100 Mbps;
• Complete transformation of e-government into a mobile application;
• Elimination of obstacles to transformation, such as: strengthening the security of connections and transmitted data, switching to identification by phone number;
• Opening public databases and services for the private sector. In 2013, more than 300 types of public databases and about 100 types of services will be opened;
• Introduction of the latest technologies.

Won Jae Li cited several of the most popular mobile government apps used by the public:

• Calculator of life expectancy from the Ministry of Statistics - 330 thousand downloads;
• Dictionary of Economics and Modern Trends from the Ministry of Finance and Strategy - 170 thousand downloads;
• 100 Mountains from the national forest service - 120 thousand downloads;
• Women's diary from the Ministry of Health and Reproduction - 110 thousand downloads.

Won Jae Lee told TAdviser that the total e-government budget in Korea was about $1.7 billion. "As well as $0.8 billion aimed at consulting, building systems, commissioning and maintenance." he concluded (September 2012).

See also

• E-Government of Russia
• UK e-government
• Electronic Government of Korea
• E-Government of Kazakhstan
• E-Government of Tajikistan
• E-Government of Azerbaijan
• E-Government of Australia
• E-Government of Ukraine
• E-Government of Estonia
• X-Road Interstate Data Exchange Platform

Notes