In this episode of Business Diplomacy Today, host Matthias Catón discusses the topic of online voting with Simone Ehrenberg-Silies, a senior consultant at the Institute for Technology and Innovation at VDI VDEIT. The conversation begins with a definition of online voting, differentiating it from traditional and electronic voting. The discussion delves into the reluctance of many countries to adopt online voting because of the risks of cyberattacks and manipulation, highlighting the vulnerability and potential loss of trust in the election process.
Simone notes that online voting offers some advantages, such as better accessibility, error-free vote counting, and convenience, particularly during situations like the pandemic. The conversation shifts to other applications beyond political elections, such as university elections and party leader selections. Despite the benefits, Simone repeatedly emphasizes the substantial risks, especially without the possibility of a verifiable recount in case of disputes. The discussion covers the technical intricacies of online voting systems, focusing on security, authentication, and the potential future risks posed by quantum computing.
