Digital co-assessment of public services and policies: a step forward or a trade-off too far?

Digital co-assessment introduces new ways for citizens to engage in assessing, evaluating, and monitoring public services and policies through emerging technologies, ranging from mobile apps and digital platforms to AI-driven sentiment analysis, real-time dashboards, and blockchain-based transparency. While these tools expand participation, they raise concerns about algorithmic bias, data privacy, digital exclusion, and the institutional burden of processing feedback. This chapter classifies digital co-assessment models by citizen involvement and technological complexity, identifying key trade-offs among participation and institutional capacity, automation and deliberation, and transparency and surveillance. It discusses how governance choices can shape the opportunities and impact of digital co-assessment, depending on how participation is structured and institutionalised.