Creating ethical and sustainable government service portals: Balancing security with efficiency

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping governance, the development of government service portals that can help citizens and residents transact with the government completely digitally has become crucial.

These portals serve as the primary interface between citizens and government services, making their design and implementation a matter of significant public interest. However, a concerning trend has emerged: the over-engineering of these portals in the name of security, often at the cost of sustainability and user experience.

This article explores how to create ethical and sustainable product development strategies for government service portals, striking a balance between robust security and environmental responsibility.

The sustainability imperative in Government IT

As we approach 2030, projections suggest that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) production and operation will consume 21% of global electricity

Government IT operations, being substantial and widespread, contribute significantly to this figure. Therefore, any strategy for developing government service portals must prioritize sustainability from the outset.

To create sustainable IT frameworks for government portals, we need to:

• Scrutinize existing IT operations for inefficiencies
• Implement energy-efficient hardware and software solutions
• Optimize data center operations
• Embrace cloud computing and virtualization where appropriate

Balancing security and sustainability

Security is paramount in government systems, but it shouldn't come at the cost of sustainability or usability. Over-engineered security measures often lead to:

• Increased energy consumption due to complex processes
• Poor user experience, resulting in longer session times and higher resource usage
• Excessive data storage and processing requirements

Instead, consider these sustainable security practices:

• Implement risk-based authentication: Adjust security levels based on the sensitivity of the information being accessed. Therefore, there needs to be a method to authenticate the request securely, rather than generating a one-time password for every action.
• Use efficient encryption algorithms that provide strong security without excessive computational overhead. Such algorithms must be based on principles that are usable, tested and used frequently rather than inventing a computational method that may require a lot of power.
• Audit security processes regularly and remove unnecessary steps. This is also a form of code optimization that can help achieve a sustainable goal.

Building a new operating model

To truly embrace sustainability in government service portals, we need to bridge the gap between IT operations and corporate strategy. This new operating model should:

• Integrate sustainability goals into every phase of the product development lifecycle
• Establish cross-functional teams that include sustainability experts alongside IT professionals
• Implement continuous monitoring and improvement processes for energy efficiency
• Prioritize sustainable innovation in technology choices and development practices

Before building a digital system, there is a need to clearly define and improve the underlying process. Do not build the system to serve the process - but rather, access the process first and improve the underlying structure of requirements if required before engineering a system that has it’s sustainability flaws in the process itself.

User-centric design for sustainability

An often overlooked aspect of sustainable government portals is user-centric design. By focusing on user needs and behaviours, we can create more efficient and sustainable systems:

• Simplify user journeys: Reduce the number of steps required to complete tasks
• Implement intuitive navigation: Help users find information quickly, reducing time spent on the portal
• Use progressive disclosure: Present only necessary information, reducing data load and cognitive burden
• Provide clear instructions: Minimize confusion and support requests, reducing overall system usage

Conclusion

Creating ethical and sustainable government service portals requires a delicate balance between security, functionality, and environmental responsibility. By adopting a holistic approach that considers the entire lifecycle of these digital products, we can develop portals that not only serve citizens effectively but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

As we move forward, it's crucial to remember that true security doesn't have to come at the cost of sustainability. By embracing efficient design, optimizing processes, and focusing on user needs, we can create government service portals that are secure, user-friendly, and environmentally responsible. This approach not only benefits our planet but also enhances public trust and engagement with government services.