The G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) held its third meeting in Pune, Maharashtra, inaugurating the Global Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Summit and Exhibition. The session explored various aspects of DPI, including open standards, partnerships, interoperability, and affordability.
Introduction to DEWG and Digital Economy
Originally known as DETF, the DEWG was formed in 2017 under the German G20 presidency, aimed at promoting and implementing a secure, interconnected digital economy that is inclusive. With the global digital economy estimated to be worth USD 11 trillion and expected to hit USD 23 trillion by 2025, the DEWG plays a crucial role in shaping worldwide policy in the digital area.
The DPI Summit: Understanding the Highlights
India’s role in successful DPI implementation was emphasized during the Summit, making the country a test case for digital transformation. India entered MoUs with Armenia, Sierra Leone, and Suriname, sharing its digital solutions executed at scale via the India Stack.
Focusing on Digital Identities
Digital identity’s role in national priorities and social cohesion was discussed. Different implementation models like centralized, federated, and decentralized were detailed, with India’s Aadhaar and the Philippines’ PhilSys being key examples.
Digital Payments and Inclusive Finance
DPI’s role in enabling fast, inclusive digital payments was a major focus of the Summit. Topics such as settlement types, risk management, user-onboarding costs, and how DPI can bridge the financial divide where considered.
DPI in Judicial Systems and Regulations
The implementation of DPI in judicial systems was explored, covering topics like e-court systems, e-filing, paperless courts, live streaming, and the need for apt institutions and regulations for trust in DPI-operated judiciary systems.
PKI Mutual Recognition Framework
The draft Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Mutual Recognition Framework has been released by the Indian Ministry of Electronics & IT, aiming to lead the subject of India’s DPI implementation and adoption beyond its borders.
The One Future Alliance Explained
This alliance aims to leverage technology for improving people’s lives by enabling collaboration between like-minded nations. The focus is on using open-source, customizable stacks, encouraging countries to innovate and tailor these solutions to their specific needs. The alliance acknowledges technology’s evolving nature, including artificial intelligence and multilingual capabilities, aiming at fostering cooperation in areas like cybersecurity and digital skilling while advancing DPI.
Understanding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
DPI refers to components or platforms like digital identification, payment infrastructure, and data exchange solutions that help countries deliver essential services to their citizens, thereby empowering citizens and improving lives through digital inclusion. It mediates the flow of people, money, and information through a digital ID System, fast payment system, and consent-based data sharing system, respectively, to empower citizens with real data control abilities.
India’s Role in DPI Development
Through India Stack, India became the first country to develop all three foundational DPIs – Digital identity (Aadhaar), Real-time fast payment (UPI), and Account Aggregator built on the Data Empowerment Protection Architecture (DEPA).
DEPA creates a digital framework that enables users to share their data on their own terms via third-party entities known as Consent Managers.
Past UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
In 2018 and 2020, the examination featured questions about the Aadhaar card’s usage as a proof of citizenship or domicile, and the term “Public Key Infrastructure” in the Indian context, pointing to the increasing relevance of these digital infrastructures.
