Role of AI in Enhancing Government Transparency: The Mediating Effect of Digital Accountability

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government operations offers significant potential for enhancing transparency and efficiency in public sector services. This study explores the relationship between AI adoption, digital accountability, and government transparency, focusing on the mediating role of digital accountability in this relationship. While AI technologies, such as machine learning and data analytics, can optimise decision-making and improve service delivery, their effectiveness in promoting transparency is contingent upon the presence of robust digital accountability mechanisms. The study adopts a quantitative research design and collects data from 300 government employees and officials across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and public administration. The data were gathered using a structured questionnaire with Likert-scale items that measure AI adoption, digital accountability, and government transparency. Regression analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were employed to test the hypotheses. Findings indicate that AI adoption positively impacts government transparency, with increased AI usage corresponding to greater transparency in public sector operations. Furthermore, digital accountability was found to mediate the relationship between AI adoption and transparency. Mechanisms like open data platforms and blockchain help ensure that AI-driven decisions and government actions are transparent, traceable, and auditable by the public. The study highlights that while AI alone can improve transparency, its full potential is realised when complemented by digital accountability tools. The results have important implications for policymakers, suggesting that AI adoption must be paired with accountability frameworks to ensure ethical and transparent governance. This research contributes to the growing literature on AI and public sector innovation, providing empirical evidence of how digital accountability mechanisms can enhance the role of AI in fostering transparent governance. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of AI and digital accountability on transparency across different political and technological environments.

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