Question

What is the potential negative consequence of overly burdensome security checks in e-governance?

• A. It makes the services more expensive for users.
• B. It can discourage honest citizens from using the services.
• C. It leads to a decrease in the number of fraudulent transactions.
• D. It requires the government to hire more IT support staff.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. It can discourage honest citizens from using the services.

• Discouraging User Adoption: When security checks are too complicated or time-consuming (e.g., requiring multiple passwords, two-factor authentication for every small task, or complex personal questions), users may become frustrated and abandon the service. This is particularly true for less tech-savvy individuals.

• Creating a Barrier: While security is crucial, an excessive number of security steps can create a new kind of barrier, similar to the digital divide. It can make the system seem intimidating and inaccessible, especially to those who are not comfortable with technology.

• Loss of Trust: Ironically, overly complex security can lead to a loss of trust. Users may believe the system is unreliable or so vulnerable that it requires extreme measures to stay safe, causing them to question the entire e-governance initiative.