E-government: transformations in modes of rule?

Recent developments in information technology have been accompanied by concerns involving public policy and government service delivery. Calls are made for social policy to address an apparent digital divide, for public policy to encourage technological innovation in the new information society, and for government service delivery that uses new technology to support improved individualised service. At the same time, concerns are raised about increased surveillance and invasions of privacy. The rhetoric of New Public Management also sees new technologies are a means to improve government service delivery through the use of performance indicators and market-like forms of operation. In what ways do these changes involve new forms of governing and the configuration of social relations? This paper outlines these issues being investigated in a three-year study of e-government.