Dear Readers,
What does it mean to live in the digital age? Our information society makes us hungry for instant information and instant access to services. This is true in general, when we think of ourselves as customers, travelers, patients and consumers. It is also true in the dimension of our relationship with the public sector. We are no longer prepared to sit back and wait. It is simply not efficient use of time to queue for hours just to ask for a document. As companies become more demanding and employees are asked to perform despite economic downturns and downsizing, our busy schedules no longer allow time.
Also, governments have done their part in educating citizens about their rights and have set a new level of expectations that sees us as clients of a system, rather than a controlled population. As a result, information should be transitioning from databases, accessible only to government representatives, to the palm device in our hands. If my healthcare data, for instance, was securely held on my mobile phone, I would much prefer my eligibility for a prescription to be instantly verified without the pharmacist knowing all my personal data.
Governments also need to be more transparent about any new information processes and portals or identity programs they are considering. Implementing new ideas often weighs heavily on the public purse and so consultation with the technology industry to establish the business case to offer something new to citizens, is crucial. For example, should e-purse be incorporated into citizens’ cards or NFC be adopted as a mechanism to reflect the public trend of information everywhere, for everyone and at all times.
People today have the power to change the way information is handled and that cannot be taken away. Centrally held data must be secure but the authorities that hold what is often sensitive information, need to demonstrate it is held for the public good.
They need to clearly communicate how the data is used and how it can translate into something that is given back to the man in the street. | 
