E-government, e-surveillance, and ethical issues from Malaysian perspective

Abstract

E-government is a flagship application of the Malaysian Multimedia Super Corridor project, with the aim to reinvent government and bring about changes to the society in order to push forward into the information era. In this context, government services are believed to be more efficient and effective. Furthermore, improved service levels should be the focus of this reinvention. At the same time, surveillance is used in homes, offices and public areas (i.e. the government over its citizens). E-surveillance with invisible, visible, semi-concealed cameras and sensors is embedded everywhere in all corners of society. This situation has destroyed people's privacy even though the main purpose of having electronic surveillance is for security and safety purposes. This chapter discusses e-government and surveillance adaptation, and the ethical issues such as privacy and confidentiality, and personal data protection. Then it proposes a conceptual framework for understanding 'e-government-e-surveillance-ethical issues', and last with the conclusion.