THE RULE OF LAW IN DIGITAL PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) examine the impacts of digital-era public administration on the rule of law, and 2) propose guidelines for developing public administration in alignment with the rule of law. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this study employs a documentary research methodology to analyze legal frameworks, academic articles, and policy documents. Data were gathered through a comprehensive literature review and document screening based on specified criteria, focusing on literature published between 2016 and 2025. Content analysis was subsequently conducted in conjunction with relevant concepts and theories.

The findings reveal that the integration of digital technology into public administration yields both positive and negative impacts on the rule of law. On the positive side, the implementation of e-government systems enhances transparency, minimizes opportunities for corruption, and strengthens accountability. Conversely, these technologies introduce several negative challenges, including the risk of bias and opacity inherent in artificial intelligence (AI), potential violations of personal rights and privacy using Big Data, and the exacerbation of the digital divide in accessing state services via digital platforms. The discussion underscores that public administration can only uphold the rule of law when technology is robustly integrated with legal safeguards. Therefore, the public sector must urgently develop laws and regulatory mechanisms, design systems that inherently prioritize privacy protection by design, and enhance digital literacy to mitigate societal inequalities.