Hindu Editorial Analysis : 23-November-2023
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration, commerce, and governance in both public and private sectors. Mimicking physical infrastructures, DPIs provide essential services, contributing to societal development.
India’s DPI Experiment – “India Stack”
India’s transformative journey in the digital realm, known as “India Stack,” has harnessed the power of identity, payments, and data sharing to stimulate economic growth and create a more inclusive digital economy. Its modular layers facilitate innovation, inclusion, and competition across diverse use cases.
Concerns & Challenges
- Exclusion & Divide
- Digital systems may exclude individuals unable to access them, deepening the divide between technology haves and have-nots.
- The global acceleration of digitization exacerbates this issue, limiting the benefits of public services to a select few.
- Inadequate Connectivity
- Despite progress, a significant portion of the global population lacks digital access.
- Inadequate connectivity poses a major obstacle to the widespread availability of public services.
- Lack of Electricity Coverage
- Many areas worldwide remain unconnected to electric grids, hindering the integration of digital services.
- Limited electricity coverage remains a substantial barrier to the expansion of digital infrastructure.
- Data Collection & Breach
- Digital platforms often collect excessive personal data, leading to privacy concerns and data breaches.
- The absence of legislative mandates raises questions about governance processes and responsibilities.
Suggestions
- Investment in Infrastructure
- Significant investments are needed in fiber-optic cables, satellite transponders, and cell phone towers to expand digital connectivity globally.
- Focus on Inclusivity & Capabilities
- Upgrading digital capabilities through training programs ensures that the benefits of digital infrastructure are accessible to all.
- Emphasizing digital literacy and awareness of potential harms is crucial to leaving no one behind.
- Making Technology ‘Easier to Grasp’
- Incorporating user-friendly design features enhances the accessibility of digital systems.
- Prioritizing intuitive design, as seen in India’s UPI system, promotes widespread usage.
- Enhancing ‘Offline’ Access
- Implementing offline access options, such as QR codes, ensures services are accessible even without real-time online connectivity.
- Creative solutions allowing essential functions offline, synchronized when online, improve system access and usability.
Why In News
If we want our digital public infrastructure to accelerate development, we need to make sure that its benefits reach everyone in society. Emphasizing inclusivity is crucial for maximizing the impact of digital advancements on societal progress.
MCQs about Navigating Challenges and Enhancing Inclusivity in Digital Public Infrastructure
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What is the primary function of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?
A. Enhancing social media interactions
B. Facilitating collaboration, commerce, and governance
C. Supporting online gaming platforms
D. Providing personalized entertainment solutions
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What is the term used to describe India’s transformative digital landscape, showcasing the power of identity, payments, and data sharing?
A. Digital Revolution
B. Cybernetic Evolution
C. India Stack
D. Digital Renaissance
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What is identified as a major concern associated with the proliferation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?
A. Technological obsolescence
B. Inadequate internet speed
C. Exclusion of individuals from accessing digital solutions
D. Insufficient data storage capacity
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what is suggested as a solution to enhance the accessibility of digital services to all?
A. Increasing data collection
B. Restricting offline access
C. Emphasizing user-friendly design and digital literacy training
D. Limiting the use of QR codes
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