Governança informacional, democrática e open government no Brasil: fundamentos, perspectivas e desafios

Abstract

Since the new democratic order reestablished by the 1988 Brazilian Constitution, the government’s agenda of transparency and social participation in public policies has been a priority, that all governments have since agreed. This apparent consensus did not, however, mean an effective and constant implementation of concrete measures for access to public information and engagement of civil society in the federal government. No democratic government has claimed to lack transparency and participation. On the contrary, they often advertise their high level of democracy and information. In opposition to that, this research tries to undo this fictitious veil of legitimacy. Based mainly on analysis of statistical data, case studies of public policies in Brazil and other jurisdictions, application of a survey to civil society organizations and requests for access to information, several problems are found in information, participatory and opening of public data by the Federal Executive. Connecting these three pillars, the research points out new paths and makes recommendations for the advancement of this agenda in the country. In general terms, the technological solutions that exist today can be powerful tools for designing user-friendly and accessible digital platforms, making public data and information useful assets that empower citizens, foster democratic debates, reduce informational and power asymmetries, and promote innovation and competition. Great advances have taken place from 1988 until today, however, the threat of democratic setbacks haunts Brazilian institutions from time to time. Committed to defending the deposition of regimes characterized by secrecy, opacity and authoritarianism, the research seeks to contribute to overcoming these obstacles.