Hindu Editorial Analysis : 27-September-2023
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including governments, regulators, the private sector, volunteers, startups, and academia. This unique partnership has led to the development of foundational DPIs, such as digital identity (Aadhar), real-time fast payment (UPI), and a secure data-sharing platform. These innovations are transforming the way essential services are delivered to citizens and fostering digital inclusion.
Understanding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) encompasses platforms like digital identification, payment infrastructure, and data exchange solutions that enable countries to provide essential services to their citizens. DPI empowers individuals, improves lives, and ensures digital inclusion.
Roles of DPI
DPI plays a pivotal role in mediating the flow of people, money, and information:
- Digital Identity: DPI facilitates the flow of people through a digital ID system, exemplified by India’s Aadhar, which assigns a unique identification number to each citizen based on their biometric data.
- Real-time Fast Payment: The flow of money is made seamless through a real-time fast payment system like UPI, allowing anyone with a bank account to make digital payments via mobile devices.
- Data Exchange: DPI enables the secure flow of personal information through consent-based data-sharing systems, granting citizens control over their data while realizing the benefits of DPIs.
Challenges with DPI
One pressing concern is the weaponization of data and technology, often referred to as Digital Colonization, which erodes agency, sovereignty, and privacy. Building a robust DPI is essential to mitigate these challenges.
The Necessity of DPI
Historically, public infrastructure has been instrumental in human progress, fostering innovation and value creation. DPI stands out as a feasible model due to its low cost, interoperability, scalability, and safeguards against monopolies and digital colonization. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of DPI, as people increasingly relied on digital alternatives during enforced isolation.
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
India has made significant strides in DPI development. With aspirations to become a $5 trillion economy and the world’s third-largest economy, India’s thriving DPI is vital for achieving these ambitious goals. The country boasts 850 million internet users, making it the world’s largest digitally connected democracy.
Key Components of DPI in India
- Digital Identity (Aadhaar): The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) provides each citizen with a unique identification number based on biometric data, serving as a digital identity proof for accessing government services.
- Unified Payment Interface (UPI): UPI facilitates real-time digital payments through mobile devices, managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- DigiYatra and DigiLocker: DigiYatra employs facial recognition technology for a seamless travel experience at airports, while DigiLocker securely stores digital documents.
- Cybersecurity: The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) ensures the security of the country’s digital infrastructure.
Future Prospects
To make India’s DPI a global model, three key institutions must be established:
- Independent DPI Steward Institutions: A multiparty governance process ensures accountability and builds trust among stakeholders.
- Global Standards through Multilateral Dialogue: India should lead efforts to develop standards sensitive to the concerns of emerging economies.
- Sustainable Financing Models: Sustainable financing for DPI development is crucial to prevent it from becoming a tool of philanthropic competition.
Why In News
India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI), encompassing the India Stack and beyond, has been forged through a distinctive collaboration involving government entities (both at the Union and State levels), regulatory bodies, private sector stakeholders, dedicated volunteers, innovative startups, and academic institutions and think tanks.Through India Stack, India achieved the pioneering distinction of establishing all three fundamental elements of DPI: digital identity (Aadhar), real-time rapid payments (UPI), and a secure platform for the confidential exchange of personal data without compromising privacy.
MCQs about India’s Digital Public Infrastructure
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What is the primary role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ?
A. Enhancing digital entertainment services
B. Mediating the flow of people, money, and information
C. Providing advanced healthcare services
D. Developing space exploration technology
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Which of the following is NOT one of the key components of DPI in India?
A. Digital Identity (Aadhaar)
B. Unified Payment Interface (UPI)
C. DigiYatra and DigiLocker
D. Internet Connectivity for Rural Areas
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What major challenge associated with DPI ?
A. Promoting digital colonization
B. Ensuring complete privacy with no data sharing
C. Preventing technological innovation
D. The weaponization of data and technology
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What is the goal of establishing independent DPI steward institutions?
A. To control and monopolize DPI
B. To reduce accountability and transparency
C. To build trust and ensure accountability among stakeholders
D. To promote philanthropic competition
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