Cyberocracy

Cyberocracy describes a form of government or an element of a government that rules by the effective use of information. The exact nature of a cyberocracy is largely speculative as currently there have been no cybercractic governments, however, a growing number prototype cybercratic elements can currently be found in many developed nations. The fundamental feature of a cyberocracy would be the rapid transmission of relevant information from the source of a problem to the people in a position able to fix said problem, most likely via a system of interconnected computer networks and automated information sorting software, with human decision makers only be called into use in the case of unusual problems, problem trends, or through an appeal process pursued by an individual. Cyberocracy is the functional antithesis of traditional bureaucracies which sometimes notoriously suffer from fiefdomism, slowness, and a list of other unfortunate qualities. Ultimately a cyberocracy may use administrative AIs if not an AI as head of state forming a Machine Rule government.

The exact details of how a cyberocracy will function and how it affects the human condition will probably be determined by technology savvy people like yourself who may be oblivious to what they are helping to create.

Etymology

Cyberocracy, from the roots "cyber-" and "-cracy," signifies rule by way of information, especially when using interconnected computer networks.

Dual Edged Sword

A cyberocracy, like any form of government, is nothing more than a tool and tools are irrepressibly ambivalent to the human condition. While a cyberocracy would likely disrupt traditional hierarchies, and does have the potential to perform many if not all government functions in a nearly incorruptible manner, it should be remembered that the printing press and radio were at one time believed to be capable of eliminating oppressive regimes when they were new, but history tells us that these technologies excel at spreading harmful misinformation and propaganda as well as being beneficial truth bearers. The effect of a cyberocracy on the human condition will depend on what the systems consider problems and what measure need to be taken.

Examples

The Stasi of East Germany could be considered a prototype cybercratic organization. The Stasi collected files on 6 million people, or a little over 1/3 of East Germany's total population, but their lack of computers to sort though the files was causing them to choke on their own file system, thus reducing their effective use of information. A cybercratic government would need to quickly and effectively manage the file of 100% of the nation's people plus any relevant foreigners.

The no fly list is an example of a prototype cybercratic element. It's substantial false positive ratio is it's primary failure of effectiveness.

Internet Relay Chat and Internet forums are an example of cybercratic society.

Sources and References

Cyberocracy is Coming by David Ronfeldt

All Connected Now by Walter, Truett Anderson

Encyclopedia of Digital Government by Ari-Veikko Anttiroiko (Editor), Matti Malkia (Editor)