On 3 June, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has launched a new forum whose aim is investigate how to best use Web technology for good governance and citizen participation. The forum is open to the public.

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) defines itself as “an international consortium where Member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop Web standards” which “primarily pursues its mission through the creation of Web standards and guidelines designed to ensure long-term growth for the Web.“ W3C includes 400 Member organizations.

"I encourage people from government agencies to join this W3C forum to make the Web better serve the people," said Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director. "Open Standards, and in particular Semantic Web Standards, can help lower the cost of government, make it easier for independent agencies to work together, and increase flexibility in the face of change.” he added.

The new eGovernment Interest Group is open to the participation of governments, interested citizens, researchers and other stakeholders. “By joining this forum, you can learn good "eGovernance" and how to build an Open Standards platform on top of your existing tools and services" said Berners-Lee.

The group will identify best practices and guidelines, document where current technology does not adequately address stakeholder needs, and suggest improvements via the standards process.

Further information:

• W3C website 
• Official press release 
• Page of the eGovernment Interest Group of W3C