Identification versus anonymity in e-government IDENTITY KNOWLEDGE IN THE GOVERNMENTAL PROVISION OF SERVICES

Identity knowledge in the governmental provision of services

The citizen-government relationship is partly constituted by the government providing services to its citizens. The provision of services is a standardized process, also known as bureaucracy, and citizens can apply for these services. In this relationship, citizens have to reveal personal information about themselves so that the government knows they are entitled to receive the relevant services. The identification and verification of citizens by the government results in the governernment having identity knowledge about its citizens. This chapter provides a theoretical underpinning of the role of anonymity, identification, and identity knowledge in the relationship between government and citizens in the context of public service delivery. 

First, bureaucracy is addressed and the differences between public and private service providers are discussed. Then, personal information in relation to identity knowledge is illuminated. Finally, the identity knowledge capacity of the service provider is discussed.