Electronic Government, an International Journal (27 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Analysing e-government service adoption in Bangladesh: a study on the Surokkha Vaccination Program  
  by Koushik Prashad Pathak, Kazi Md. Jamshed, Shusama Arjumond, Khadija Akter, Kaniz Fatema 
  Abstract: The Government of Bangladesh has been undergoing a massive transformation in providing e-government services to its citizens and businesses since 2009. Although e-government services do hold promising merits, the adoption of e-government services is not that significant in Bangladesh. This study aims to identify the factors which drive end-users to adopt e-government services. In this study, the Surokkha vaccine service has been taken as a sample e-government service. Drawing on the extended UMEGA model, this study uses the structured equation modelling (SEM) approach through PLS-SEM to explore the behavioural intention of the end users. The findings revealed that effort expectancy, facilitation conditions, and perceived service quality have a significant influence on behavioural intention to use. Also, there are no such differences between male and female groups while adopting e-government services except for effort expectancy and facilitation condition variables. Several practical implications have been recommended to policymakers for making more user-driven e-government services.
  Keywords: Bangladesh; e-government services; Surokkha; UMEGA model; PLS-SEM approach.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10063993
   
  
• An international comparison of the role of artificial intelligence in e-governance towards providing better standards of living  
  by Tinashe Mukonavanhu 
  Abstract: The study investigates the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in e-governance to enhance living standards by improving service provision. It explores AI’s role in various government processes, focusing on operationalisation, security, and service delivery. Utilising international and South African (SA) contexts, the research reviews existing literature and best practices to understand perceptions of AI and e-governance. Through secondary data analysis from diverse sources including articles and government documents, the study identifies challenges encountered by countries, particularly developing ones, in implementing AI in e-governance. These challenges include global insecurity and ethical concerns surrounding AI usage. The primary finding highlights the critical need for ensuring ethical AI deployment and suggests the establishment of supervisory frameworks to enforce regulations. Recommendations stress the importance of preventing major economies from monopolising AI innovation to maintain global balance. The study provides valuable insights for countries seeking to integrate AI into e-governance, emphasising the significance of ethical considerations and regulatory oversight. Overall, it contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and implications of AI adoption in government sectors globally.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; e-government; public management; digital governance; digital era governance; legislation.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10064176
   
  
• Review of trends from mobile governance studies: a bibliometric analysis  
  by Yashdeep Singh 
  Abstract: This study aims to uncover the current state of research in mobile governance. The dataset of relevant publications was obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric analysis was performed using a web-based tool. The findings indicate an exponential increase in publications since 2017. It was found that Simplice A. Asongu and Yogesh Kumar Dwivedi are the most productive authors. Further, Telecommunications Policy is the most influential journal. In addition, the results indicate a close collaboration between the USA and China. Mobile governance acceptance by citizens emerged as a focus area among the researchers. Keyword analysis and thematic map analysis revealed a trend toward integrating cloud and big data technologies in mobile governance research. Health and education appeared to be the niche areas in m-governance. The article concludes with a discussion of the major themes and directions for future research.
  Keywords: bibliometric analysis; big data; cloud computing; mobile governance; technology acceptance; smart cities.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10064227
   
  
• Towards a framework for enterprise architecture in mobile government: a case study  
  by Pham Hai Son, Duong Dang, Le Hoang Son, Byeongnam Yoon 
  Abstract: Mobile government (m-government) represents a distinct paradigm shift from electronic government (e-government), offering a new avenue for governments worldwide to deliver services and applications to their customers. The m-government model deviates from e-government in terms of information technology (IT) infrastructure, security, and application management and implementation. Enterprise architecture (EA) has been developed and utilised globally to enhance efficiency and information and communication technology (ICT) utilisation in the public sector through e-government. However, the application of EA within the context of m-government, particularly in developing countries, has largely been overlooked by scholars. This study aims to address this gap. This study seeks to develop an EA specifically tailored for m-government in a developmental context. Our contribution to the literature is the illustration of a proposed EA framework for m-government. The practical implementation of this study is to identify critical considerations when designing and adopting m-government to avoid redundant investments during the integration of infrastructure and applications from e-government to m-government.
  Keywords: m-government; e-government; enterprise architecture framework; mobile technology; information and communication technology; ICT.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10064545
   
  
• Identification of user satisfaction dimensions in open data service system using latent Dirichlet allocation: a case study of BMKG online Data  
  by Abdullah Hasan, Achmad Nizar Hidayanto, Ryan Randy Suryono 
  Abstract: The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) presents a government open data portal that contains daily climate information and is freely accessible to users. Within this portal, there is a feature to provide feedback as an assessment of the services provided by BMKG’s online data. Analysis of this feedback data is considered crucial in response to the decrease in the public satisfaction index (IKM) by 2.81 points. The aim of this study is to identify the topics that constitute the dimensions of user satisfaction with BMKG’s online data. Previously, research had been conducted that involved the identification of topics within a company using the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) method. By applying the LDA model to user feedback data in text form, we successfully identified four dimensions related to satisfaction in using the BMKG data portal.
  Keywords: user satisfaction; open government data; OGD; user reviews; topic modelling; latent Dirichlet allocation; LDA.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10064636
   
  
• Transforming governance: exploring the intersection of e-governance and artificial intelligence in India  
  by Gaddela Srikanth 
  Abstract: The concept of governance has undergone significant transformation in recent decades. In the past, governance was commonly ascribed as a hierarchical procedure in which governmental entities would make decisions, and the general population would comply. However, in the modern landscape, there has been an observable inclination towards adopting a collaborative governance paradigm propelled by the intersection of e-governance and artificial intelligence. The intersection of e-governance and artificial intelligence (AI) in the governance domain presents significant prospects for augmenting governmental mechanisms, i.e., AI algorithms drive insights by analysing the vast datasets and helping policymakers to make informed choices and platforms like e-governance enhance the accessibility and efficiency of the government services. This intersection of AI and artificial intelligence is not solely a technological shift but also redefines the relationship between government and the governed. This synergy holds the promise of transforming governance characterised by the active involvement of governments in forging alliances with citizens, businesses, and various other stakeholders to deliberate and determine policy choices collectively.
  Keywords: governance; artificial intelligence e-governance; digital literacy; civil society participation; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10064811
   
  
• The role of THEQA, as government-led trustmark, in developing consumers’ trust in local e-commerce websites  
  by Maisa Shadid, Emad A. Abu-Shanab 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore how THEQA, a government-led trustmark program in the State of Qatar, provides local vendors with mechanisms to establish online trust. This is the first study to explore a government-led local trustmark, and the only one that studies THEQA from the local online vendor’s perspective. The research used semi-structured interviews with both THEQA representatives and online vendors. A research model was established based on the conducted interviews. Both quantitative and thematic content analysis were used. Results show that THEQA trustmark establishes online trust in local e-commerce vendors through four mechanisms: initial-trust related mechanisms, reputation-related mechanism, website-quality related mechanisms, and security-related mechanisms. The study provides managers and decision-makers with trust-building and risk-reduction mechanisms to reinforce trust in e-commerce through e-government initiatives. This study is limited by its small sample size. Further, THEQA trustmark is a newly developed program and still in the growing stage.
  Keywords: e-government; trustmark; Qatar; government-led trustmark; trust mechanisms; e-commerce.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10065002
   
  
• Manifestations of voter satisfaction: an empirical analysis using VOTQUAL scale on Indian voters  
  by Deepika , Shashank Vikram Pratap Singh, Kanwal Jeet Singh 
  Abstract: Well-known SERVQUAL Scale is used in marketing to measure customer satisfaction, but there is no such scale to measure voter satisfaction. Abou-Khalil and Aoun (2020) made an attempt to measure voter satisfaction by developing the VOTQUAL scale. The authors tested the scales validity on Lebanese voters, and therefore the scales general applicability is questionable. We took a step forward by testing the scale on Indian voters. Using correlation and regression, statistical analysis is performed on a sample of 1,281 data. Contrary to the findings of Abou-Khalil and Aoun (2020), the findings of our study show that satisfaction is entirely a function of perceptions, which is perfectly consistent with the findings of Parasuraman et al. (1991) and the current political environment in India. The paper contributes significantly in the existing literature in Indias context and add greater insights to politicians aiming to wins elections via-voters satisfaction.
  Keywords: VOTQUAL; voter’s satisfaction; India; political parties.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10065280
   
  
• From paper to pixels: the legal status and challenges of electronic writing in administrative contracts. A comparative study of current legal systems  
  by Saddam Mohammad Alawaisheh 
  Abstract: This research critically examines the legal status and challenges of e-writing in administrative contracts within Jordan’s legal framework. Employing a qualitative doctrinal research approach, the study delves into Jordan’s Electronic Transactions Law No. 15 of 2015, which establishes the legal validity of e-contracts and signatures. Despite this foundation, the research identifies significant technological, legal, and security challenges impeding the adoption of e-writing in administrative contracts. Through an exploration of case law and legal doctrine, the study outlines the complexities and proposes practical and legal strategies to overcome these obstacles. The objectives are threefold: to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal regime governing e-operations in administrative contracts, to identify practical and legal challenges, and to offer suggestions for enhancing e-writing’s use in administrative contracts. The findings underscore the necessity for a multifaceted approach to encourage the adoption of e-writing in administrative contracts, suggesting targeted technical, legal, and policy interventions.
  Keywords: e-writing; administrative contracts; Jordan’s legal framework; electronic transactions law; e-contracts; electronic signatures; digital infrastructure; legal challenges; technological barriers; public administration.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10065658
   
  
• Framing human capabilities in digital government: a thematic analysis of policies and strategies  
  by Ermias Abebe Kassa, Jan C. Mentz 
  Abstract: In this paper, we explored the ways in which human capabilities were interpreted and framed in digital government policies and strategies. This research can be viewed as a prospective analysis of the extent to which digital government promotes human capabilities. Using the human capabilities approach (HCA) as a theoretical frame and template analysis as technique, we developed the codebook used for thematic coding through an iterative process of deduction and induction. The themes were then used to analyse policy and strategy documents from four countries to determine what, how, and to what extent human capabilities have been integrated into digital government. We found that all national digital government policies and strategies address human capabilities, albeit with variation in emphasis. Despite their relative order, the ubiquity of the themes in national policies and strategies reflects the universality of human capabilities.
  Keywords: capability approach; digital government; document analysis; electronic government; human capabilities; human capabilities approach; HCA; policy analysis; prospective analysis; public value; template analysis; thematic analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10065693
   
  
• Webportal in e-Grievance management system assessing its functionality through the lens of SERVQUAL dimensions  
  by Selvam Jesiah 
  Abstract: E-grievance management system (e-GMS) as an e-governance tool helps bring public, industry and government closer. This study aims to assess the functionality of e-GMS webportal using the appropriate service quality dimensions of e-services. A simple subjective assessment method was used to assess the operationality of the webportal. Prior to the assessment, a systematic literature review was done to identify the suitable service quality dimensions of e-services in order to assess e-GMS webportal. This study examined the eight identified service quality dimensions in e-GMS of India that reveals the high functionality of e-GMS portal resulting in greater efficiency in grievance disposal amidst the challenges connectivity. This study, however, suggests that the government should go beyond the website and technology in e-GMS, and look at various information, communication and education (ICE) strategies with an inclusive approach to reach out to all public that will help the government to achieve a robust and outcome-based public grievance system.
  Keywords: e-Grievance; e-governance; e-service; management system; webportal; quality dimensions; effectiveness; government; public.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10066024
   
  
• Constructs of the G2G approach and their impact on the implementation of the digital government policy  
  by Maribel Puentes-Poloche , Alfredo Guzmán Rincón, Favio Cala-Vitery 
  Abstract: The implementation of digital government policy is a global phenomenon and the incorporation of the government-to-government (G2G) approach has resulted in several benefits. However, there is still a lack of understanding on how the constructs of this approach contribute to achieving a higher level of implementation of digital government policy. This article explores which constructs of the G2G approach have an impact on the level of implementation of digital government public policy. For the purpose of this study, it was limited to national level state entities in Colombia. The study used a quantitative cross-sectional approach with data taken from the Unique Progress Report Form of 147 national public entities subscribed to the executive branch. The study used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that G2G planning, privacy and information security, and the participation of value groups had a positive impact on the implementation of government digital policy. However, there was not enough evidence to confirm the relationship between interoperability, the use of data analytics, and emerging technologies with the level of implementation of government digital policy.
  Keywords: digital government; public policy; G2G; Colombia.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10066168
   
  
• Towards an ontological approach to software product line development: a case study of e-banking applications  
  by Nesrine Lahiani, Samir Bettahar, Messaouda Fareh 
  Abstract: Software Product Line (SPL) development has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential to reduce time-to-market and development costs while maintaining quality. However, SPL development still faces significant challenges, such as complexity and variability management. To address these challenges, this paper presents an ontological approach to SPL development that formalizes domain knowledge and provides a common vocabulary for stakeholders to communicate and reason about the development process. The approach is demonstrated using an e-banking case study that involves multiple products with varying requirements and features. The case study shows how the ontological approach can support different activities in SPL development, such as domain analysis, feature modeling, and configuration management. The results demonstrate that the ontological approach can improve the quality and consistency of the SPL development process, reduce the development time and cost, and facilitate better communication among stakeholders. The paper concludes by discussing future research directions and potential applications of the ontological approach in other domains.
  Keywords: software product line; SPL; variability; derivation product; feature model; ontology; e-banking.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10066531
   
  
• The influence of e-Government on control of corruption based on hexa helix models  
  by Sofia Dewi, Rindu Rika Gamayuni, Fajar Gustiawaty Dewi 
  Abstract: This research empirically investigates the impact of e-Government on controlling corruption based on the hexa helix model using a panel data collection from 45 high-income countries and 88 upper, low, lower countries during the period 2004-2022. The hexa helix model is defined as a combination of the roles of government, citizens, education, mass media, business systems and the rule of law. The fixed effects model is used to conduct regression tests. The simultaneously result shows that each variable on corruption control has consistent results both in high income countries and in upper, low and lower-income countries. Therefore this research provides suggestions for upper, low and lower income countries to study strategies on how high income countries can achieve a high voice and accountability, high business freedom, high government effectiveness, high political rights, high education spending and high rule of law index so their corruption control index also becomes high.
  Keywords: e-Government; corruption; hexa helix.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10066654
   
  
• Improved dingo optimisation-based feature selection with optimal deep learning enabled intrusion detection technique on cloud environment  
  by C. Jansi Sophia Mary C. , K. Mahalakshmi 
  Abstract: Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) in the cloud must manage significant amounts of data, adapt to dynamic environments, and identify unknown and known attack patterns. Cloud-based IDS use behaviour analysis, signature-based detection, machine learning (ML), and anomaly detection methods. Feature selection (FS) methods help find the key patterns or indicators for detecting malicious activities or anomalies in the cloud infrastructure. This study concentrates on designing and developing improved dingo optimisation-based feature selection with optimal deep learning-enabled intrusion detection (IDOFS-ODLID) technique in the cloud environment. The IDOFS-ODLID technique uses FS and hyperparameter tuning strategies to enhance the intrusion detection rate in the cloud environment. In the IDOFS-ODLID technique, IDOFS technique is mainly designed to select features and thereby improves classification performance. For intrusion, the IDOFS-ODLID technique uses an attention-based bidirectional gated recurrent unit (ABiGRU) approach. At last, the IDOFS-ODLID technique uses a bird swarm algorithm (BSA) for the hyperparameter tuning process. The proposed model is simulated using CICIDS2018 dataset and the results portrayed its promising performance with maximum accuracy value of 99.24% over recent approaches.
  Keywords: cloud computing; deep learning; feature selection; intrusion detection; hyperparameter tuning; security.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10067335
   
  
• Data protection and privacy in the data-driven public welfare in India  
  by Nadha Noureen C. K.  
  Abstract: The study maps the data regulatory landscape in India against the backdrop of an increasingly data-driven public welfare sector and the growing incidence of data risks. It examines how governments at different levels draw a balance between improving welfare delivery processes by harnessing data and protecting citizen rights from probable risks inhered in the processes. Identifying data-driven welfare initiatives, namely Samagra (Madhya Pradesh), Bhamashah Yojana (Rajasthan), Samagra Vedika (Telangana) and family information data repository (Haryana), the study conducts a policy analysis to assess the data protection standards in place in India. Global privacy standards like GDPR, OECD Privacy Guidelines, etc., are used for a comparative evaluation. Findings reveal a significant trade-off between efficient data-driven governance and the protection of rights, emphasising the need for robust regulations. The study calls for a balanced approach to data privacy and the public good, urging critical discourse on privacy rights within legitimate/public data drives.
  Keywords: data; databases; data regulation; public welfare; data privacy; data protection.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10067336
   
  
• The effect of institutional factors on passport services digitalisation in an emerging country. A structurational model of technology perspective  
  by Winfred Ofoe Larkotey, Eric Ansong 
  Abstract: This study, from an interpretivist paradigm, examines how the digitalisation of government passport services was carried out and identifies the key enablers and constraints that affected its successful implementation. Using the Structurational Model of Technology (SMoT) as the research framework, qualitative data were collected from major actors involved in the digitalisation of Ghana’s passport services. The case was analysed using hermeneutics and the concepts of the refined SMoT. The study found that digitalization of government services improves revenue collection, increases monitoring, and promotes transparent disbursement of government funds and other resources, as well as reduces corruption. It also found that a deeply ingrained paper-based culture hinders monitoring, control, evaluation, and accountability in the public sector of an emerging country. This study is one of the first to provide insights into the enablers and constraints of digitalising a major government service, passport services, in a developing economy context.
  Keywords: digitalisation; passport services; e-government; developing economy; structurational model of technology; SMoT.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10067337
   
  
• Informing decision makers: development of online news media monitoring and visualisation  
  by Alvi Syahrina, Media Wahyudi Askar, Margareta Hardiyanti, Mochamad Satria Riza Permana, Kayla Queenazima Santoso 
  Abstract: As information continues to be generated online, the volume of "big data" rapidly increases, offering potential for strategic decision-making across industries, including public administration. The online news media, as a source of real-time information, have transformed the way policymakers access and respond to public sentiment and emerging issues. In this context, the need for advanced tools to monitor and analyze vast streams of online news has become critical. This paper introduces Unitrend, a platform designed to facilitate data-driven decision-making by offering real-time insights through advanced data processing, data analysis, and visualization technologies. Unitrend aggregates news data, conducts sentiment analysis, and tracks key entities, providing policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of trends and public reactions. This research explores Unitrend’s system architecture and methodologies, highlighting its potential benefits and limitations in fostering responsive and informed policy development.
  Keywords: news media monitoring; big data analytics; natural language processing; NLP; sentiment analysis; named entity recognition; NER; web scraping; evidence-based policy making.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10067338
   
  
• Examining the role of Social Networking Sites representation in optimising digital transformation: Challenges from the Egyptian Context.  
  by Mona Arslan, Darren Mundy 
  Abstract: Governments across the globe are witnessing a continuous process of digital transformation. However, little evidence of the management process is provided from Eastern contexts as contrasted with Western ones. This paper argues a significant contribution to marketing theory in the process of digital transformation. Specifically, social networking sites (SNS) which assist organisations in promoting the policy of transformation and are an essential element of the process. This research uses theories like political marketing and public policy marketing to investigate the extent of SNS optimisation in creating value and long-term relationships, which are essential elements of strategic marketing orientation. Since Eastern contexts are far less researched, this research takes the presence of the Egyptian Government on SNS as its foci. The research includes a netnographic approach towards addressing the research goals. Findings indicated a role for the maturity of strategy, top management support and the application of strategic marketing strategy in the process.
  Keywords: marketing; digital transformation; social networking sites; SNS; e-government; public sector marketing.
  
  
• The role of smart technology in enhancing electoral process integrity in Algeria and Jordan  
  by Hisham Al-Kasasbeh, Nayel AlOmran, Odai AlHeilat, Kawthar Khair Swaileh 
  Abstract: The study investigated the feasibility of using smart technology to conduct the electoral process in Jordan and Algeria. The study highlighted the need for an electoral system that ensures the integrity of elections and instils confidence among individuals in their governments. The aim of the study is to explain the features of smart voting and the major obstacles to its implementation, as well as to clarify the key requirements for individuals and countries to adopt electronic voting, including both legislative and technical aspects. As a result of the study, several key findings emerged. Firstly, there are no constitutional or legislative provisions related to the use of smart technologies in the electoral process in Jordan and Algeria. Secondly, it is not possible to apply a particular method of smart elections in a particular country absolutely, as the method that suits one country may not be suitable for another country that lacks the necessary infrastructure and funding to implement it.
  Keywords: smart; technology; integrity; elections; voters; Algeria; Jordan.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10067550
   
  
• Semantic interoperability in electronic government: a bibliometric analysis and systematic review  
  by Safa Mohamed Yousif Ahmed, Hassana Twinomurinzi 
  Abstract: Semantic interoperability (SI) in government remains elusive and challenging. This study, therefore, investigated what research has been conducted about SI in the government context using a bibliometric review, and an analysis of the top 20 influential and 20 most recent publications. The results show a shift from proposing technical to conceptual models, despite the importance of the technical models to SI. SI research has also evolved over the years to represent different government domain knowledge formally and is influenced more by linked data and open data. The key findings reveal a scarcity of research that leverages the intersection of semantic technologies with artificial intelligence models. SI research in government is also strongly influenced by government funding and therefore stalls when government priorities change. The funding variability might also be an indication of limited academic interest, especially in resource-constrained countries, but also indicates greater consulting opportunities. A research agenda for future research is proposed.
  Keywords: semantic interoperability; interoperability; semantic technology; electronic government; digital government; bibliometric; performance analysis; scientific mapping analysis; systematic review.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10067839
   
  
• Psychological drivers of e-impulsive buying: investigating the mediating role of loneliness coping strategies in fintech adoption contexts  
  by Minh T.H. Le 
  Abstract: This study explores the factors influencing the adoption of fintech during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the impact of loneliness on fintech usage. Government-imposed lockdowns, aimed at controlling the virus spread, created a unique opportunity to enhance fintech services to address reduced social interaction. Improved fintech solutions, emphasising convenience and user-friendliness, allowed individuals to purchase essential and entertainment products, potentially alleviating loneliness. Data from 220 online surveys revealed that lockdown measures, positive e-reviews, and user satisfaction significantly boost the intention to adopt fintech. Additionally, fintech services facilitated a favourable shopping environment under lockdown conditions. The study also identifies loneliness as a mediator between shopping enjoyment and impulsive buying behaviour. These findings, analysed using SmartPLS and structural equation modelling (SEM), underscore the dual role of fintech in addressing both transactional needs and emotional well-being during crises. The insights can guide stakeholders in enhancing financial inclusion, resilience, and user engagement in post-pandemic scenarios.
  Keywords: fintech adoption; COVID-19 lockdown; loneliness; e-reviews; user satisfaction; impulsive buying.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10067916
   
  
• CBDC as a means of payment and its implications for tax administrations  
  by Lara Dourado Vasconcelos Nascimento, Paulo Caetano Da Silva, Daniel José Diaz, Clovis Belbute Peres 
  Abstract: Cryptocurrencies and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are leading a new phase in the increasing money digitalisation trend. However, unlike credit cards and other well-established digital payment services and solutions, digital currencies bring new and complex challenges for the economies, including legal and regulatory implications. Private cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have impacted the financial system primarily as a speculative trading instrument. However, with the emergence of central bank digital currencies, digital money has the potential to revolutionise the payment system, since its features can assure the stability needed for a transactional currency. In this context, tax administrations will be affected both on policy and operational aspects. In this article, we focus on the main aspects that can influence the use of cryptocurrencies and CBDCs as a payment method and investigate the consequences and possibilities of this application to the taxation processes.
  Keywords: central bank digital currency; CBDC; digital currencies; blockchain; taxation.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10062902
   
  
• Social networks between the US presidential candidates regarding COVID-19  
  by Seungil Yum 
  Abstract: This study explores social networks between the US presidential candidates regarding COVID-19 by employing social network analysis for Twitter. This study employs NodeXL to visualise social networks of the US presidential candidates for COVID-19 on 6 November 2020 right after the US 2020 US presidential election date. This study finds that Donald Trump has strong social networks with his family, while Joe Biden reveals those with news media. Secondly, Donald Trump has strong connections with his political supporters, whereas Joe Biden has many political opponents in the networks. Thirdly, while Donald Trump has only his party in his networks, Joe Biden has not only his political party but also the rival party in his networks. This study contributes to our understanding of how US presidential candidates utilise distinct social networks to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Keywords: US presidential candidate; Donald Trump; Joe Biden; COVID-19; social network.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10064179
   
  
• Innovative approach of masked facial recognition  
  by Om Pradyumana Gupta, Arun Prakash Agrawal, Om Pal 
  Abstract: Not only diseases such as COVID-19 but also professions across healthcare, construction and manufacturing require the usage of facemasks. Currently, obstacles that are present in the available masked facial recognition techniques lack a focus on Indian specific databases which poses serious challenges in surveillance. In this paper, the proposed model, which achieved 96.7% accuracy, works in two-stages. The input goes through the pre-processing stage, which is based on an image cropping approach with a multi-task cascaded convolutional neural network applied over it. Output moves to the convolutional neural network stage where the image is trained on two models, convolutional block attention module and modified face net architecture. Special techniques such as channel attention, spatial attention, batch normalisation, leaky rectification and face embedding vector normalisation, triplet selection are applied to reach an optimal level of accuracy. The robotic process automation engine using Bayesian optimisation is also put in place.
  Keywords: image processing; face recognition; artificial intelligence; Python; masked face detection; deep learning; neural network; COVID-19; facial landmark points; feature extraction.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10063683
   
  
• An investigation on adoption of AI-enabled e-waste recycling kiosks in the post-pandemic era  
  by P. Theerthaana, S.N. Vivek Raj 
  Abstract: Leveraging artificial intelligence-powered kiosks in e-waste recycling presents an efficient solution to address the pressing environmental concern of improper e-waste disposal. Therefore, this research aims to identify the key factors driving household consumers to embrace and utilise AI-enabled e-waste recycling kiosks. The conceptual model was empirically analysed using PLS-SEM with 2,750 survey responses from the household respondents. The results indicate that several factors, namely attitude, perceived behavioural control, societal norms, pro-environmental behaviour, and self-expressive benefits, are instrumental in influencing the intentions to adopt e-waste recycling kiosks by household consumers. These findings carry profound implications for society, emphasising the need to curtail e-waste and establish a sustainable circular economy. In this domain of consumer behaviour analysis, two novel additional constructs, self-expressive benefits, and pro-environmental behaviour are introduced to enhance the existing theory of the planned behaviour model. The current enriched model explores the intricacies of consumers' actions and the motivating factors driving their adoption and use of AI-enabled e-waste recycling kiosks, providing insights into this unexplored territory in the post-pandemic era.
  Keywords: AI-enabled e-waste recycling kiosks; theory of planned behaviour; TPB; attitude; pro-environmental behaviour; self-expressive benefits.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10063771
   
  
• A consolidated conceptual framework of a smart e-government ecosystem: a scoping review  
  by Amina Oussaleh Taoufik, Abdellah Azmani 
  Abstract: The swift societal evolution, catalysed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has given rise to the emergence of a 'super smart society 5.0'. The widespread integration of new information and communication technologies (NICTs), which has impacted various sectors, including government operations, has created opportunities for socio-economic development and the democratisation of data and services. The public sector's response to this tech revolution has varied, progressing from cautious e-government 1.0 to more mature phases (2.0, 3.0). Nonetheless, a digital divide between developed and emerging nations endures. Addressing these challenges mandates efficient data governance, proactive digital leadership, and a comprehensive strategic vision. This paper presents a consolidated smart e-government 4.0 framework, synthesising existing research and best practices to facilitate successful digital transformation within the public sector. By tracing the evolution of e-government and examining the perspectives that shape it, the paper reviews key technologies reshaping public administrations. The proposed framework aims to go beyond the current structures, offering a comprehensive approach to bolstering e-government initiatives. It seeks to create a transparent, democratic, and performance-driven public sector, addressing the nuances and challenges of contemporary governance.
  Keywords: e-government; e-governance; digital transformation; ecosystem.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10063682