Trinidad’s Acting Prime Minister Colm Imbert said big data has the potential dictate a political outcome at the polls which could cause a government to lose office.
the observations were made during a session on day two of the virtual UN-TT Big Data forum on Wednesday. Imbert said it is important to strike the right balance between the pros and cons of big data, to ensure it is used for the benefit of all.
citing examples in China, India, and Ireland where big data is being used to improve governance systems in those countries in areas such as public transport and business engagement, He said Government recognises all the advantages that can come from the effective use of data to inform decision-making.
The preparation of the country’s budget and expenditure relies heavily on big data.
Imbert said and I quote“I rely on a lot of data to guide us as we project revenue for the coming year. In particular, big data is the foundation for estimating oil and gas prices and production, which are essential elements of our budget process.”
Big data has is positive side and can also be useful in providing real-time information such as tax collection and issuing official documents. With real-time data at Government’s disposal, government agencies can make more informed decisions, improve their services and take appropriate action quickly.
Several government ministries are currently pursuing several digitisation exercises to improve their operations.
Pointing to the Ministry’s of Agriculture development of geospatial programmes to identify agricultural spaces in Trinidad and Tobago and the new Digtial Transformation Ministry’s efforts to create a digital identity for all citizens and residents, as some examples.
“The potential for big data to transform government is vast,“ he added.
Imbert however, advised that big data has some disadvantages pointing to the British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica who “was found to have misused individual electronic data for the purposes of interfering with the electoral process of various countries.”
“It is essential that any big data ecosystem also includes measures to prevent abuse Imbert said. Users’ rights will remain at the forefront of any policy governing big data.”
He vowed that government would engage in legislative review to ensure instances of potential for abuse with big data did not arise.
