Government CTO and digital bill of rights among Curran’s priorities

Source: New Zealand Reseller News

New Minister of Communications, Broadcasting and Digital Media Clare Curran plans to appoint a government chief technology officer, explore a digital bill of rights and change government ICT procurement.

Speaking to Nethui, in Auckland, over the weekend, Curran said laying the groundwork for establishing a CTO for New Zealand led her priority list for the first 100 days.

A CTO will have responsibility for preparing and overseeing a national digital architecture or roadmap for the next five to 10 years including fibre optic capabilities, 5G and beyond in mobile technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous vehicles, digital fabrication, AR/VR and the internet of things.

“I have already sought advice on how that position can be created, its reporting functions and key objectives,” she said.

Curran also said the government would begin work on a blueprint for digital inclusion to address the emerging digital divide, establish Radio New Zealand as the centrepiece of a full non-commercial public media service, institute a process for the proactive release of government information and create a framework for strengthening citizens’ rights in the digital environment.

“This Government will be modern, future-focused and innovative. We will also work collaboratively with industry, non-government organisations and communities,” Curran said.

“This Government intends to progress its goals to close the digital divide by 2020, and to make ICT the second largest contributor to GDP by 2025.

“New Zealanders rightly expect that their government should behave in a predictable, open and transparent way and ensure that nobody is left behind. The internet and digital tools are fundamental to…

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