Web 2.0

Abstract

Web 2.0 applications gain in importance in today's society. This development cannot be ignored by the public sector, because Web 2.0 can take the evolution of E-Government in new directions. This paper discusses the impact of (local) Web 2.0 applications on the further development of E-government. Web 2.0 applications have much potential for the public sector in terms of interaction, participation and transparency. However, examples of websites with transaction or transformation characteristics are rare. For that reason it is too early to speak about a virtual state. In order to realize these two final stages of E-Government, it is important to take into account the potential risks of Web 2.0 applications as well, like isolation, exclusion, violation of privacy and misuse of information.