In today’s world, the exercise of democracy and human rights relies on access to secure, uncensored participation in the digital space. As society continues to move into the digital realm, the fight to defend human rights and civic space is expanding into this new territory: technology and the internet hold the potential to democratize access to information and to opportunity, but at the same time carry the danger of being used as an instrument to further exacerbate unequal power dynamics. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this tension strikingly clear.

In an increasingly digitized era, where people use online services daily for everything from doctors to dinners to drivers, government entities at all levels need to keep up to meet their people’s expectations. This shift to digital is a challenge for many cities but also presents an opportunity to prove that democracy delivers and use this digitally connected era to increase understanding of community needs, create effective, equitable, and accessible solutions, and build for a sustainable and ethical future.

A legally recognized form of identification can fundamentally impact our ability to exercise our economic, social, and civil rights in their everyday life. Taking part in many routine tasks - such as accessing social service benefits, receiving medical care, opening a bank account, or even making a phone call - now rely on showing proof of a legal ID. Those without an ID can be barred from these services, as well as from fundamental democratic processes, like  voting, running for office, or participating in the political life of a community. 

Looking ahead into 2021, one of the things I’m excited to watch is the growing collaboration between the world of tech and the world of art and storytelling.

Technology and democracy have been front and center in recent headlines, following last week's insurrection at the United States Capitol building.