26 On Administrative and Surveillance Vulnerability and the Digital Government in the EU

Maria-Lucia Rebrean, Gianclaudio Malgieri

Abstract: Chapter 26 delves into the intricate digitalization process of public administration in the EU, highlighting both the benefits and the concurrently occurring pitfalls that raise significant risks to rights. We focus on outlining the concepts of ‘administrative vulnerability’, that is, risk to rights that are propagated from power imbalances between individuals and public administration, and the derivative ‘surveillance vulnerability’, that is, administrative vulnerability that stems from pervasive surveillance practices. Further, the chapter explores the efficacy of employing a combination of transparency, explainability and accountability mechanisms as a means towards minimizing both administrative and surveillance vulnerability. By indicating the interconnection of the analysed safeguards, we advocate for a multifaceted strategy to address the nuanced challenges raised by administrative digitalization processes.