REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR ONLINE CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT PLATFORM IN INDIAN DEMOCRACY: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

“The rapid advancement of digital technology has significantly transformed how citizens engage with democratic processes in India. Online citizen engagement platforms have emerged as vital tools for enhancing participatory democracy by enabling citizens to voice their opinions, participate in decision-making processes, and hold the government accountable. However, the regulatory framework governing these platforms in India remains underdeveloped, leading to numerous issues and challenges. This paper critically examines the regulatory landscape for online citizen engagement platforms in Indian democracy, identifying key issues such as data privacy, misinformation, digital divide, and the role of government oversight. Through an analytical study, the paper offers insights into the challenges faced by these platforms and provides recommendations for a more robust regulatory framework to ensure the effective and secure engagement of citizens in the democratic process.”