- Security: The biggest issue facing e-democracy are the security challenges posed by immature e-voting systems which are vulnerable to cyber-attacks or electoral fraud. Recent US examples have highlighted deep suspicions about the reliability of these systems.
- Access: E-democracy, in much the same way as e-commerce or e-learning, is heavily dependant on the public's access to a computer and a fast Internet connection. This is why the Commission has emphasised the importance of those services being available on devices other than computers, including interactive TV and third generation mobile phones (3G).
- Secrecy: An all-time problem associated with polling systems is the question of voter's independence and freedom of choice in electing their representatives without feeling pressurised by third parties. Polling secrecy was the traditional answer to this question. E-voting, however, brings this problem to a new level since voters would become able to express their choices from any location using computers or mobile phones, away from the neutral environment offered by polling stations.
