Global DPI Summit

• 14 Jun 2023

For Prelims: Digital Public Infrastructure, United Nations, India Stack, G20 Digital Economy Working Group, Digital Identity, UPI.

For Mains: Global DPI Summit.

Why in News?

The third meeting of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) commenced in Pune, Maharashtra with the inauguration of the Global DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) Summit and Exhibition.

• The session explored common principles and design aspects of DPI, including open standards, partnerships, interoperability, and affordability.
• India has also introduced the idea to form an alliance of countries, called One Future Alliance, which would allow like-minded nations to use technology to improve people’s lives.

NOTE: The DEWG, originally called DETF, was formed in 2017 as part of the German G20 presidency with the aim of promoting the implementation of a secure, interconnected, and inclusive digital economy.

• With the global digital economy estimated to be worth USD 11 trillion and expected to reach USD 23 trillion by 2025, the DEWG plays a critical role in shaping global policy discourse in the digital space.

What are the Highlights of the Summit?

• Setting the Stage for DPI Advancements:
  • India's role as a test case for successful DPI implementation and digital transformation was underscored.
  • India signed MoUs with Armenia, Sierra Leone, and Suriname to share its successful digital solutions implemented at scale through the India Stack.
• Digital Identities for Empowering People:
  • The session focused on the role of digital identity as the foundation for national priorities and social cohesion.
  • Different models of implementation, such as centralized, federated, and decentralized, were discussed.
  • India's Aadhaar and the Philippine's PhilSys were highlighted as notable examples.
• Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion:
  • The session explored the role of DPI in facilitating fast and inclusive digital payments.
  • Discussions included settlement types, risk management, user onboarding costs, and bridging the financial divide through DPI.
• DPI for Judicial Systems and Regulations:
  • The session discussed the implementation of DPI in judicial systems.
  • Topics covered included e-court systems, e-filing, paperless courts, live streaming, and the need for appropriate institutions and regulations to instill trust in DPI-powered judiciary systems.
• Draft PKI Mutual Recognition Framework:
  • Draft Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Mutual Recognition Framework has been released by Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India with an aim to take the lead on the subject of implementation and adoption of India's DPI beyond the country's borders.

What is One Future Alliance?

• It is an alliance of countries to be formed to leverage technology for the betterment of people's lives. It aims to enable like-minded nations to collaborate and use technology to drive Social, Economic, and Sustainable Development.
• The alliance seeks to build upon the open-source customizable stacks that are already available and encourage countries to innovate and customize these solutions for their specific needs.
• The alliance acknowledges the evolving nature of technology, including the power of artificial intelligence and multilingual capabilities, and aims to implement and advance Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) while fostering cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity and digital skilling.

What is Digital Public Infrastructure?

• DPI refers to blocks or platforms such as digital identification, payment infrastructure and data exchange solutions that help countries deliver essential services to their people, empowering citizens and improving lives by enabling digital inclusion.
• DPIs mediate the flow of people, money and information. First, the flow of people through a digital ID System. Second, the flow of money through a real-time fast payment system. And third, the flow of personal information through a consent-based data sharing system to actualize the benefits of DPIs and to empower the citizen with a real ability to control data.
  • These three sets become the foundation for developing an effective DPI ecosystem.
• Each DPI layer fills a clear need and generates considerable value across sectors.
• India, through India Stack, became the first country to develop all three foundational DPIs, Digital identity (Aadhar), Real-time fast payment (UPI) and Account Aggregator built on the Data Empowerment Protection Architecture (DEPA).
  • DEPA creates a digital framework that allows users to share their data on their own terms through a third-party entity, who are known as Consent Mangers.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q1. Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile.
2. Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)

Q2. In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of (2020)

(a) Digital security infrastructure
(b) Food security infrastructure
(c) Health care and education infrastructure
(d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

Ans: (a)

• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a technology for authenticating users and devices in the digital world. Under this system, one or more trusted parties digitally sign documents certifying that a particular cryptographic key belongs to a particular user or device. The key can then be used as an identity for the user in digital networks.
• Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Source: PIB