Digital technologies for accountability? Experiences by civil society in detecting corruption in public procurement in Mexico

This research paper analyses the usage of digital technologies by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for the detection of corruption in public procurement in Mexico. Using the principal-agent relationship as a key analytical tool, it assesses the impact of technologies in correcting information asymmetries and reducing the transactional costs in the scrutiny of public information. Through the analysis of primary qualitative data, it elucidates how CSOs are contributing to solve collective action problems and what are their incentives to do so. This paper intends to contribute to the literature about the impact and challenges faced in the use of digital technologies in anti-corruption efforts held by civil society to encourage government accountability. It also adds some elements to understand the effect of transparency regulations, and it is suggested that the disclosure of information, despite being a crucial tool for the reduction of information asymmetries, is not enough to keep governments accountable. The discussion is based on two case studies that involve the experiences of CSOs using digital technologies for accountability initiatives. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for the country aimed at potentiating the use of public information and digital technologies.