A social scientist has cautioned about the critical importance of balancing technical cybersecurity with the protection of fundamental values in the Caribbean's digital transformation. It’s coming from researcher Dr. Pearson Broome who argues the need for policymakers to ensure that cybersecurity measures do not undermine citizens' trust, non-maleficence, and privacy.
His research is contained in a Policy Brief of the Department of Government, Sociology, Social Work, and Psychology at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
Dr. Broome argues that while cybersecurity is essential for protecting data and privacy, it can also make private information more accessible to experts monitoring for malicious activities. This creates value dilemmas that must be addressed comprehensively to protect ethical standards in digital governance. Issues such as ethical hacking, the handling of zero-day exploits, and the balance between data access and privacy in sensitive areas like health data are often discussed in isolation. Dr. Broome calls for an integrated approach to the ethics of digital governance, emphasising the need for a normative value analysis (NVA) to guide policy planners.
NVA focuses on transparency, accountability, integrity, honesty, impartiality, and efficiency in governance structures. However, Dr. Broome warns that overemphasising accountability through strict standards and rules can lead to risk-averse public officials, hampering effective governance. He stresses that true digital governance should be a networked process involving active citizen participation, ensuring that government accountability to its citizens is more than just rhetoric.
The policy brief also addresses the challenges faced by Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in implementing digital transformation projects. It highlights the risks to privacy and other human rights that must be managed carefully. The document supports the cautious approach advocated by cybersecurity professional Niel Harper, emphasising the need for secure information handling and thoughtful implementation of digital initiatives.
Reflecting on past incidents, Dr. Broome cites the Cambridge Analytica scandal in Trinidad and Tobago as a cautionary tale. The lack of data protection allowed illegal data mining and voter manipulation, revealing the urgent need for robust Freedom of Information Acts, Data Protection Acts, and integrity legislation in the region.
The policy brief also touches on the cybersecurity incident at Barbados's Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the controversial self-administered survey by secondary school students, both of which underscore the complexities and risks of digital governance. Dr. Broome calls for urgent changes in approach and the engagement of civil society and academia in developing enhanced data protection frameworks.
In conclusion, Dr. Broome's research highlights the delicate balance required in digital governance, urging policymakers to consider the ethical implications and ensure that digital transformation projects in the Caribbean prioritise citizens' rights and values alongside technical cybersecurity measures.