Cyberocracy

In futurology, Cyberocracy describes a hypothetical form of 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. Cyberocracy theory is largely the work of David Ronfeldt, who published several papers on the theory.[1][2][3]

Overview

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

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 being 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.

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 through 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. Its substantial false positive ratio is its primary failure of effectiveness.

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

References

  1. ↑ David Ronfeldt (1991). "Cyberocracy, Cyberspace, and Cyberology:Political Effects of the Information Revolution" (PDF). RAND Corporation. Retrieved 12 Dec 2014.
  2. ↑ David Ronfeldt (1992). "Cyberocracy is Coming" (PDF). RAND Corporation. Retrieved 12 Dec 2014.
  3. ↑ David Ronfeldt; Danielle Varda (1 Dec 2008). "The Prospects for Cyberocracy (Revisited)". Social Science Research Network. Retrieved 12 Dec 2014.

Further reading

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