Avid readers of my blog (here’s looking at you, Rev) may remember that several months ago I announced that research was beginning for the second phase of the Technology for Transparency Network. The first phase consisted of interviews with over 30 projects around the world who are using technology to promote transparency and accountability in the government and/or private sector. Our goal in the second phase was twofold: to double the number of case studies on the site and to expand the geographic regions we covered.
Since then, I’ve been largely silent about the project — we’ve been working so hard to complete and edit the interviews that I haven’t had much time to breathe. But today I’m thrilled to announce that we have eight new case studies online, with lots more to come over the next few weeks. The case studies that have been posted so far are:
Accountability Initiative
Accountability Initiative researches and creates innovative tools to promote transparency and accountability in India’s public services.
Amatora mu Mahoro
Amatora mu Mahoro (“Peaceful Elections”) is an Ushahidi-based project created to monitor Burundi’s 2010 elections.
Association for Democratic Reforms
ADR India works to monitor national elections through country-wide SMS and helpline campaigns and an informational website.
Democrator.ru
Democrator.ru seeks to empower citizens by helping them collectively send petitions and inquiries to government bodies.
Excelências
Excelências fights corruption in the Brazilian government by publishing data about politicians and government activities online.
Golos
Golos (Voice) has introduced several online tools for better election monitoring in Russia.
Mam Prawo Wiedzieć
Mam Prawo Wiedzieć helps Polish citizens access information about their elected representatives in an easy, user-friendly way.
Pera Natin ‘to!
Pera Natin ‘to! (It’s Our Money!) encourages Filipino citizens to report times when they are asked for bribes.
In addition to continuing to post new case studies (you can subscribe to our case study feed via RSS), we’ll also be publishing our final report on both phases of the project by the end of the month. In the meantime, check out @techtransparent and our Facebook page for daily updates and our podcast for interviews with the project leaders!
I’m just quite glad to realise that there is more than the usual Africa on there. You know, it is quite cool. The mobile WikiLeaks concepts are particularly cool; and way overdue. As you no doubt know. 🙂