Importance of policy and digital transformation
Published:Tuesday | July 4, 2023 | 12:14 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
Policymaking is necessary for any society that is going through a transformation process. The transformation that I refer to is digital transformation. As a society, we must understand that technology increases daily; hence, proper policy and legislation are necessary to govern the change.
The recent hacking of JamaicaEye, and other public bodies in the past, indicates that more robust cybersecurity is needed. The Internet provides citizens with the necessary tools to be self-sufficient and gives the public sector efficient and effective service. Despite the positives that it allows for, the negatives do exist. The Internet will provide persons with the necessary tools to commit unscrupulous actions. Over the years, millions have been lost. To prevent this, something must be in place to deter these actions. Jamaica, for too long, has been reactive in our efforts.
On the other hand, the Government of Jamaica should understand that the current policies or legislation must be urgently developed. The Government, therefore, needs to establish a digital transformation committee that oversees the policies/legislations that need to be updated. After which, they should recommend them on a priority basis and execute them. For instance, all legislation relating to digital transformation should be under that portfolio. This committee should ensure that public institutions are adequately secured against hacking and unscrupulous actions.
As a country, we must protect our data and citizens adequately. We need this development, and with development, we need to secure it properly.
KERRY-ANN CRAWFORD