The choice between requiring authentication and allowing anonymous participation is based on a balance between inclusivity and data integrity. This text presents an argument for the use of email authentication for people participating on a Cocoriko platform.
Benefits of authentication
- Data integrity and trust: Authentication ensures that each participant is a unique individual, preventing multiple submissions from the same person and ensuring data reliability. Without this, we expose the platform to trolls, spam, and potentially manipulative participation, which would degrade the quality of engagement.
- Accountability: Authentication allows us to moderate comments and proposals. If someone posts offensive or inappropriate content, we need to be able to remedy the situation, either by moderating or contacting the person. Without authentication, there is no way to ensure accountability or communicate with the person.
- Fraud prevention: Without authentication, it is easy for someone to vote multiple times or manipulate the results, which reduces the credibility of the data and compromises the platform's mission to facilitate authentic and meaningful participation.
- Encouraging constructive dialogue: Authentication enables more constructive and civilized dialogue, as participants are more likely to engage responsibly when their identity is associated with their contributions. This promotes a respectful and solution-oriented environment.
Disadvantages of authentication
- Barrier to participation: We understand that some participants may be reluctant to log in with a Facebook, Google, or email account, especially if they do not trust or are unfamiliar with the software. This can create a perceived barrier to participation, particularly in communities where digital trust is low or where participants are cautious about sharing their personal information.
- Decreased participation: Requiring an additional step for authentication could result in a decrease in the number of potential participants who would otherwise have participated if there had been no login requirement. Convenience is crucial in encouraging people to take part in online participation activities.
How we address these concerns
- Simplified login process: We have reduced friction by offering simple authentication options such as one-click login via Google or Facebook, or a one-time code sent by email. This allows people to participate without having to create a complex account and password.
- Commitment to privacy: We take data privacy and security very seriously. We do not share participant data and only use it to improve the participation experience. We encourage participants to log in using the methods they feel most comfortable with, offering options such as a one-time code via email to avoid affiliations with tech giants such as Facebook or Google, if they prefer.
In conclusion
Ultimately, without some form of authentication, we would be vulnerable to fake participation and misinformation, which would make our platform similar to a simple "comments section" on social media. Our mission is to foster meaningful, responsible, and constructive civic engagement, and that can only be achieved when we know that the voices we hear are authentic.