The Ethical Implications of the Digital Welfare State for People with Disabilities: Balancing Inclusion and Discrimination

Background and Purpose: The digital welfare state (DWS) refers to the integration of digital technologies (e.g., online portals, mobile applications, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, biometric information, predictive algorithms, and risk modeling) in the delivery of social welfare services by the government to its citizens. While the DWS holds the promise to improve access to services, streamline administrative processes, and provide personalized and targeted support, there is a risk of privacy breaches, exclusion of vulnerable groups, overreliance on algorithmic decision-making, perpetuation of biases, and reduced quality of human interactions. The rapid shift towards the DWS has raised concerns over the human rights implications, particularly for people with disabilities (PWD). Powerful tech corporations with the legal ability to influence elections, unregulated tech markets, unprecedented wealth stratification, lack of public debate, and the constant drive for cost-cutting have led to a system where PWD are surveilled, targeted, excluded, and punished. Using critical disability theory, this paper examines the ethical considerations of the DWS for PWD, focusing on how it may promote or perpetuate stigma, stereotypes, and discrimination.

Methods: Several professional databases of indexed empirical literature (e.g., EBSCO, PROQuest, APA PscyINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were used to conduct an extensive environmental scan of existing studies, policies, and case studies, both in the U.S. and internationally, that are relevant to the DWS, its impacts on PWD, and other ethical considerations. These findings were analyzed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the ethical implications and provide policy recommendations to help introduce balance and guard against discrimination.

Results: The paper identified four major ethical concerns arising from the DWS: (1) algorithmic transparency and fairness; (2) digital inclusion and access; (3) privacy and data protection; and (4) human-centered service provision. It also proposes five empirically-informed policy recommendations for governments to address these concerns, including (1) additional regulation of tech companies; (2) investing in digital inclusion initiatives for PWD; (3) enforcing existing privacy and data protection regulations; and (4) maintaining a balance between digital and in-person service delivery for welfare agencies; and (5) practicing inclusive policymaking so that a diverse range of stakeholders with disabilities are included in the policy development process to ensure that their perspectives and needs are taken into account.

Conclusions and Implications: This study highlights the need for a critical examination of the DWS from the perspective of critical disability theory, emphasizing the importance of balancing inclusion and discrimination for PWD. Policymakers and practitioners should be cautious in the implementation of digital tools in the welfare state and prioritize addressing the ethical challenges identified. By incorporating the proposed policy recommendations, federal and state governments can work towards creating a more ethical and inclusive DWS that upholds human rights standards and utilizes digital technology as a force for good.