What are the Issues Facing Governments Regarding Websites?
Most businesses, including governments, utilize websites as a service to their patrons and vendors. All public entities should carefully design their website and take into consideration those groups who will be accessing the website and for what purposes. Governmental websites can be considered the “virtual village green,” a term coined by Laurence Tribe, a noted constitutional scholar. When a government establishes a website it is opening up a “forum” for public participation. As a public forum, certain rules apply from a constitutional perspective. For instance, once a forum is opened to the public, use of that forum cannot be limited on the basis of content. Thus, policies and procedures for approving any outside entities from posting information on a government’s website must be “content neutral.” Governments must also be concerned about utilizing websites for business purposes. Security and privacy issues may arise if governments permit residents to make payments, register for ser
