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ICT for development

The contribution of ICT to freedom and democracy: an empirical analysis of archival data on the Middle East

Can ICT foster social and political freedoms in the Middle East?

Authors: F. Shirazi
Publisher: Electronic Journal on Information Systems in Developing Countries , 2008

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This paper examines the extent to which ICT expansion is impacting social and political freedoms in ten countries of the Middle Eastern region, defined as non-democratic states. It investigates two prominent and interrelated issues in these countries:

  • the extent of the contribution of ICT expansion to freedom of expression
  • the impact of government economic intervention and regulation (institutional resistance) to ICT expansion, and in turn, democracy and freedom of expression
The paper finds:
  • countries that implemented privatisation of their government owned telecommunication sector, and took a more liberal approach towards ICT development, enjoyed a higher degree of ICT expansion and digital freedom (Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and UAE)
  • these countries invested more in their ICT infrastructure, which resulted in not only a higher return of ICT to their GDP, but also a higher degree of ICT index
  • there is a strong association with civil liberties and political rights particularly within the two main ICT indicators, specifically, the Internet and mobile cell phones
  • the increased number of internet users and weblogs published on the Internet during this period (1995-2003), in addition to the increased presence of the younger generation online in NGOs, human rights activists groups, political parties/organisations, religious and ethnic minorities are a clear indication of the ability of ICTs to promote freedom of expression in this region
  • there is a strong correlation between education, ICT expansion, and freedom - the usage of ICT tools and services requires users to have access as well as the capability to learn and acquire a certain level of knowledge in order to use them effectively
  • people who possess this knowledge (the educated populace) are those who will be able to use, create and disseminate information, and demand for a more open and democratic society
  • government censorship of online content and SMS messages, along with the institutional resistance on economic development continue to be the main impediment for ICT growth and development
The author argues that the availability and accessibility of information, as well as the ability to create and disseminate information anonymously, has led to a sense of freedom among many Arab Internet users; and the power of the state to regulate social, economic, and political activities has started to erode. ICT expansion and its usage will prove its efficacy for shaping change culturally and socially, and politically in terms of democracy, freedom of speech and further reduction of the digital divide.