Work

The Dual Impacts of National Digital Initiatives on Public Safety and Freedom

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper examines the unintended consequences of national digital initiatives (NDIs) on countries’ public safety and freedom. While NDIs aim to expand access to digital technologies, this research highlights a paradox: NDIs enhance public safety through omnipresent surveillance but simultaneously restrict freedom by reinforcing control. Using China’s Digital Silk Road as the research context, we conducted a difference-in-differences analysis on a sample of 148 countries spanning 2012-2022 to examine the effects of NDIs on public safety and freedom. The findings contribute to broader theoretical discussions in societal concerns of digital technology advancements and offer valuable insights for policymakers. This work underscores the importance of carefully balancing digital progress with the need to protect both public safety and freedom in the digital age.

Source: Journal of the Association for Information Systems

Authors: Alaei, Saideh, Chan, Frank

Institutions: École Supérieure des Sciences Économiques et Commerciales, ESSEC Business School

Language: English

Topic: Security, Politics, and Digital Transformation

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W6999900224

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