Blockchain-based governance models in e-government: a comprehensive framework for legal, technical, ethical and security considerations

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate blockchain as an e-government governance model. It assesses its alignment with legal frameworks, emphasizing robustness against disruptions and adherence to existing laws.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores blockchain’s potential in e-government, focusing on legal, ethical and governance aspects. It conducts an in-depth analysis of blockchain’s integration into data governance, emphasizing legal compliance and resilient security protocols.

Findings

The study comprehensively evaluates blockchain’s implementation, covering privacy, interoperability, consensus mechanisms, scalability and regulatory alignment. It highlights governance’s critical role in ensuring legal compliance within blockchain paradigms.

Research limitations/implications

Ethical and legal concerns arising from blockchain adoption remain unresolved. The study underscores how blockchain challenges its core principles of anonymity and decentralization in e-government settings.

Practical implications

The framework outlined offers potential for diverse technological environments, albeit raising ethical and legal queries. It emphasizes governance’s pivotal role in achieving legal compliance in blockchain adoption.

Social implications

Blockchain’s impact on legal and ethical facets necessitates further exploration to align with its core principles while addressing governance in e-government settings.

Originality/value

This study presents a robust framework for assessing blockchain’s viability in e-government, emphasizing legal compliance, despite ethical and legal intricacies that challenge its fundamental principles.

Citation

Mustafa, G., Rafiq, W., Jhamat, N., Arshad, Z. and Rana, F.A. (2025), "Blockchain-based governance models in e-government: a comprehensive framework for legal, technical, ethical and security considerations", International Journal of Law and Management, Vol. 67 No. 1, pp. 37-55. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLMA-08-2023-0172