Digital Signatures and Democratic Governance: A Critical Examination of Brazil’s 2020 Decree

Summary:

Brazil's 2020 Decree on the Use of Electronic Signatures in Federal Public Administration aims to integrate electronic signatures into governance structures, potentially democratizing the process. However, the Decree's impact on democratic principles such as transparency, accessibility, and accountability is complex and nuanced. While electronic signatures offer advantages in auditing and data integrity, they also pose challenges related to digital literacy, cybersecurity, and bureaucratic inertia. As such, a critical evaluation of the Decree is necessary to fully understand its effects on democratic governance.