THE POTENTIAL OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN COMBATING CORRUPTION

Abstract

This thesis examines the potential of digital technologies in combating corruption in public administration and social governance. Corruption weakens public trust, reduces the effectiveness of state institutions, limits fair competition, and creates unequal access to public services. Digital technologies can reduce corruption risks by increasing transparency, improving accountability, simplifying administrative procedures, strengthening public control, and enabling data-based monitoring. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze how e-government systems, open data platforms, electronic procurement, artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital public services, and citizen feedback mechanisms can contribute to anti-corruption policy. The study is based on comparative and analytical methods, using international experience and conceptual approaches proposed by the UNODC, OECD, and World Bank. The findings show that digital technologies are most effective when they are integrated with legal reforms, institutional responsibility, public integrity systems, and civic participation. Technology alone cannot eliminate corruption, but it can make corrupt behavior more visible, traceable, costly, and preventable.