Digital Human Rights Protection In The E-Government System In China: Challenges For Transparent And Accountable Governance

Yang Zongpu; Ku Hasnita Ku Samsu; Mohd. Mahadee Ismail; Fairuzzaman Shaharuddin

doi:10.29284/6v8pfd81

Authors

Yang Zongpu Department of Government and Civilization Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9618-7831
Ku Hasnita Ku Samsu Department of Government and Civilization Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia , https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3970-6900
Mohd. Mahadee Ismail Department of Government and Civilization Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4888-5886
Fairuzzaman Shaharuddin Department of Government and Civilization Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6419-8384

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29284/6v8pfd81

Keywords:

Digital Human Rights；E-Government；Transparency；Accountability；Digital Governance.

Abstract

The expansion of e-government systems in China has significantly contributed to the modernization of public administration and the enhancement of service delivery. While e-government platforms have become the primary means for citizens to access public services, the growing dependence on digital technologies has heightened concerns regarding the protection of digital human rights, especially in relation to transparency and accountability in governance. As government decision-making and service provision increasingly rely on data-driven processes, safeguarding citizens’ rights within digital governance frameworks has become a critical policy issue. Despite the enactment of numerous laws and the implementation of advanced technical measures by the Chinese government to protect digital human rights, substantial challenges remain in practice.

This paper provides a policy-oriented analysis of the challenges related to digital human rights protection within the Chinese e-government system. Grounded in human rights principles and digital governance frameworks, the analysis examines key governance issues such as limited transparency in data usage and decision-making, inadequate accountability mechanisms, and insufficient public awareness of digital rights. This paper argues that digital human rights protection is not solely a technical issue but represents a fundamental governance challenge that demands institutional design, regulatory clarity, and substantive public participation. It emphasizes the need for rights-based policies that embed transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement within e-government governance. By framing digital human rights as central to responsible digital governance, the analysis offers policy recommendations to strengthen rights protection and enhance the legitimacy and sustainability of Chinese e-government systems.

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