services would be offered through the citizen service centre beyond e-payments from citizens to Government. 83 It is currently unclear how protection of the right to privacy will be incorporated into the Master Plan’s design, any implementation of e-Governance practices within Government apparatus, or any future e-Government related regulations. User trust is central to the concept of ICTs and e-Governance. If people and businesses do not believe that their personal data will be safe and secure from unwarranted surveillance or misuse, then they will be less likely to use e-Government and other services. This could undermine the Master Plan’s ability to support accountability, transparency and progress in human rights and social development in Myanmar. 84 (See further Chapter 4.3 on Privacy and the Recommendations to the Myanmar Government). Regional Policy Frameworks: The 2015 ASEAN ICT Master Plan The 2015 ASEAN ICT Masterplan was developed by Government Ministers, policy makers, regulators and the ICT industry within the ASEAN region. It focuses on three pillars – economic transformation, people empowerment and engagement – supported by a foundation of infrastructure development, bridging the digital divide and human capital development. 85 Recognising the key transformational role that ICT can play in promoting economic development and integration, it is also acknowledges and encourages the role of ICT in building more empowered and inclusive societies “involving all the stakeholders in ASEAN – government, citizens and businesses, developed and developing, rural and urban, young and old, as well as those with and without disabilities”. The Master Plan is to be implemented over the next five years. While stakeholder consultations highlighted the need for more transparency, 86 the Master Plan does not address the role of ICT in improving transparency and accountability, nor does it address the sector’s important role in promoting freedom of speech. The Master Plan will therefore will provide little guidance to the Government of Myanmar in finding the appropriate balance in improving accountability, transparency and the protection of human rights in developing its regulatory framework. 83 See: ADB, “Myanmar: Design of e-Governance Master Plan and Review of Information and Communication Technology Capacity in Academic Institutions” (last accessed August 2015). 84 US Campaign for Burma et al, “Civil Society Comments on the World Bank Telecom Sector Reform Project in Burma” (21 January 2014), p. 3. 85 ASEAN, “ASEAN ICT Masterplan 2015” (2011). 86 Ibid, pg. 10. CHAPTER 2: ICT GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS, POLICIES & LEGAL FRAMEWORK 67 2