Ballots and Padlocks: Building Digital Trust and Security in Democracy through Information Governance Strategies and Blockchain Technologies

Abstract

This research explores the integration of Information Governance (IG) strategies and Blockchain Technologies (BT) in enhancing digital trust and security within democratic processes. Amid concerns about the integrity and vulnerability of electoral systems in the digital era, this study examines how these technologies can collectively safeguard democracy. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), bootstrapping analysis for mediation effects, and the Fornell-Larcker Criterion for discriminant validity, the analysis was conducted on data from 934 participants involved in the electoral process. Key findings demonstrate that IG strategies significantly impact digital trust, indicating the importance of robust data management, legal compliance, and privacy measures for public confidence in electoral systems. Blockchain Technologies positively affect the security of democratic processes due to their decentralized and immutable characteristics. Furthermore, digital trust is identified as a critical mediator between IG strategies, BT, and the security of democratic processes, highlighting the importance of trust in the effectiveness of these technologies. Based on the insights gained, three actionable recommendations are proposed: Electoral authorities should adopt comprehensive IG frameworks to enhance data integrity and transparency; Pilot blockchain projects should be expanded to refine and understand the broader implementation implications for election security; Efforts should be increased to foster digital literacy and trust among the electorate, emphasizing the role of these technologies in securing electoral integrity.