Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the accountability practices of Federal Institutes (FIs) in Minas Gerais

This study explores the relationship between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and accountability in Minas Gerais federal institutes (FIs). The objective is to identify the main contributions of ICTs to improving accountability in Minas Gerais federal institutes. The study adopts a qualitative approach and is classified as descriptive documentary research. Bardin's (2011) content analysis was used to collect, analyze, and interpret the data. The literature indicates that ICTs can be a fundamental instrument for strengthening accountability practices . By making public information available in a transparent and accessible manner, ICTs allow stakeholders to monitor the actions of managers and demand accountability when necessary. The main results demonstrate that ICTs are used as mechanisms that facilitate or even take charge of such practices. The practice of transparency, in particular, uses these mechanisms, whether through social networks for publicity and social interaction or through systems such as fala.BR, in addition to the institutional portals of the federal institutes themselves. The Access to Information Law (Law No. 12,527/2011) represents an important milestone in the promotion of public transparency in Brazil and significantly corroborates the findings. By guaranteeing broad and free access to public information, the law contributes to strengthening accountability and popular participation. It is concluded that ICTs play a fundamental role in promoting accountability by enabling transparency, popular participation and holding managers accountable, which contributes to the construction of a more just and democratic society. This summary presents an overview of the relationship between ICTs and accountability . It is important to emphasize that the subject is complex and requires in-depth studies that consider the different variables that influence accountability .