Software As Governance

As information technology (IT) becomes ubiquitous, scholars are rethinking notions of governance, as implicated by IT. This chapter examines how software can be used as a form of governance. The chapter begins with a theoretical informed analysis of governance characteristics of "code." These governance characteristics are analogous to "knobs and levers" that policymakers can manipulate. By manipulating these governance characteristics, it is possible to influence/regulate user behavior. The chapter then focuses on two governance characteristics that have played a crucial role in the formation and processes of e-government-defaults and open standards. For defaults, the chapter offers a framework for setting defaults. In the case of open standards, the chapter focuses on critical issues for governments when adopting open standards.