Effective Governance for Open Digital Ecosystems | IGF 2023 Open Forum #65

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Audience

In the analysis, multiple speakers highlight key points regarding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and its implications. The first speaker stresses the importance of sustainable DPIs that take into account environmental factors. They assert that the Global Digital Compact (GDC) claims for sustainable DPIs align with the G20 meeting in India, which established a common agenda. The positive sentiment suggests a consensus on the need for sustainable DPIs.

The second speaker focuses on the significance of DPI by design, implementation, and governance. They provide Estonia’s success in digital government and connected government as an example. By adopting DPI by design, Estonia has effectively demonstrated the value of integrating digital technologies into government functions, resulting in positive outcomes. This observation strengthens the argument for the importance of DPI.

On the other hand, the third speaker raises concerns about the potential impact of mass surveillance. Although no supporting facts are provided, the negative sentiment suggests that the speaker believes mass surveillance has detrimental consequences. This viewpoint serves as a cautionary reminder to consider the potential risks associated with DPI, particularly in relation to individual privacy and civil liberties.

The fourth speaker advocates for a specific framework on “human rights by design.” They emphasize aspects such as privacy, freedom of speech, dignity, and autonomy. By unpacking the concept of human rights by design, the speaker highlights the need for clarity and guidelines to ensure DPI does not infringe upon fundamental rights. This argument underscores the necessity to address potential ethical and legal concerns related to DPI.

The fifth speaker argues for safeguards that can potentially halt or reverse harmful systems, specifically mentioning the importance of safeguards for digital identification. They highlight the significance of the ability to reconsider, reevaluate, and reinstate changes to negate any harms associated with DPI. This perspective supports the idea that proactive measures should be in place to mitigate any adverse effects of DPI.

Lastly, the sixth speaker expresses concerns over the right to anonymity and stresses the need for private space to protect civil and political rights. They mention that the right to anonymity is essential for freedom of speech and other civil liberties. This negative sentiment suggests worries about potential infringements on individual rights and the necessity to protect them in the context of DPI.

In conclusion, this analysis presents a comprehensive overview of various perspectives surrounding DPI. The speakers highlight the importance of sustainability, design, governance, human rights, safeguards, and individual rights within the realm of DPI. While positive sentiments indicate consensus on certain aspects, negative sentiments caution against potential risks and encourage the implementation of necessary precautions.

Eileen Donahoe

The analysis explores several key points regarding the role of digital technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights the immense potential of digital technology in accelerating the attainment of these goals. However, it raises concerns that only a small percentage (2%) of government forms in the United States have been digitized. This lack of digitization not only leads to significant time wastage for the public but also results in the loss of $140 billion in potential government benefits each year. This underscores the urgency for governments to prioritize the digitization of their public infrastructure.

The discussion also emphasises the need to embed human rights into digital public infrastructure. While there is a strong desire to expand access to digital services, it is crucial to ensure that the most vulnerable and marginalised communities are protected. The risk of inadvertently developing into surveillance states through digitisation must be carefully mitigated.

Furthermore, the analysis underlines the importance of a global multi-stakeholder approach, where governments collaborate with the technical community, civil society, academic experts and the private sector. This approach fosters collective involvement and cooperation in setting digital technology standards and policies. Eileen Donahoe stresses the significance of this approach to enable a smooth transition from domestic to global multi-stakeholder processes. However, it is acknowledged that this transition can be challenging for governments.

To facilitate the multi-stakeholder input processes, it is recommended to use the Human Rights framework as a global standard. The universality and recognisability of human rights frameworks make them an ideal basis for collaboration and adherence to global standards. Governments are more likely to feel comfortable adopting these global standards as they have already committed to upholding human rights.

The analysis further discusses the importance of global open standards in increasing accountability. Global open standards provide a valuable tool for well-intentioned governments, ensuring that the standards deployed are of a consistently higher calibre compared to what would occur if governments were left to their own devices. Through a global digital compact process with follow-up, soft norms can be established, adding pressure and encouraging accountability.

In addition, the analysis supports the building of a mutual learning ecosystem in different regions. It suggests that Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) should be made more context-sensitive. Building on the progress achieved during the Indian presidency, there is a call for expanding and adapting these principles to new areas. Regular reviews and discussions, guided by a safeguards framework, act as reference points for evaluating the progress and efficacy of DPIs.

Lastly, the analysis emphasises the importance of a cross-disciplinary approach. It highlights the necessity for collaboration between experts in norms, law and technologists to effectively implement human rights by design. A shared language is crucial for enabling effective collaboration and understanding between these different disciplines.

Overall, the analysis underscores the need for robust and safeguarded digital public infrastructure, the importance of a global multi-stakeholder approach, and the significance of embedding human rights principles into digital technology. It also highlights the value of global open standards, mutual learning and a cross-disciplinary approach. These factors collectively foster accountability, context sensitivity and progress in the field of digital technology and its impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaker 1

The speakers in the discussion emphasized the significance of digital public infrastructure (DPI) and the successful implementation of DPI in Estonia. They pointed out that Estonia has long been a digital leader, and the philosophical and practical origins of DPI can be traced back to this country. They highlighted the principles of openness, transparency, and inclusiveness as the basis for Estonia’s digital reform. The government of Estonia, in collaboration with the private sector, has worked on digital identity, which is an essential component of DPI.

Trust and collaboration were identified as vital elements for the successful implementation of DPI. The speakers emphasized that the Estonian government and private sector combined resources and contributed equally to DPI, which helped build trust among stakeholders. Equality in contribution and responsibility was deemed crucial for fostering collaboration in DPI projects.

The discussion touched upon the need for governments to focus on fixing fundamental aspects such as data governance and digital authentication before moving on to advanced concepts like artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain. The speakers argued that many governments and societies are currently discussing advanced concepts without having firmly established the basics. Therefore, DPI serves as a reminder to prioritize the foundational aspects of digitalization.

The importance of sharing and collaboration among governments in the field of digital public infrastructure was emphasized. The speakers noted that while many governments make their tools available, there is a lack of reusing and collaboration. However, some countries, such as Estonia, Finland, and Iceland, have made progress in this area by developing certain digital products collaboratively and making them globally available. The speakers called for a greater push for sharing, reusing, and collaboration among governments to enhance the effectiveness of digital products.

Sustainability and mindset change were identified as challenges in implementing digital public infrastructure. The speakers acknowledged that changes take time and that people can be resistant to change. They also emphasized the importance of continuity as various projects come and go. The example of Internet voting in Estonia was highlighted, as it took several years for it to become popular and widely accepted.

The discussion concluded by highlighting the global nature of guaranteeing privacy, security, and human rights in the digital realm. The speakers stressed that these issues require concerted efforts from both the government and the private sector. Ensuring privacy and security is not solely the responsibility of the government or the private sector. The speakers also emphasized the importance of global movements in addressing these issues.

In conclusion, the discussion shed light on the significance of digital public infrastructure and its implementation in Estonia. The principles of openness, transparency, and inclusiveness were identified as driving forces behind Estonia’s digital reform. Trust, collaboration, and equal responsibility were deemed vital for successful DPI implementation. The need for governments to focus on fundamental aspects before advancing to advanced concepts like AI and blockchain was highlighted, along with the importance of sharing and collaboration among governments. Sustainability, mindset change, and guaranteeing privacy, security, and human rights were identified as challenges that require joint efforts from the government and the private sector.

Moderator – Lea Gimpel

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is defined as society-wide digital capabilities that are essential for citizens, entrepreneurs, and consumers to participate in society and markets. It serves as the foundation for public service delivery in the digital era. DPI does not refer to foundational software or physical infrastructure such as fibre optic cables.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries heavily invested in DPI to facilitate faster and prompt response. This shift to digital platforms resulted in the adoption of services like digital ID, payment systems, data exchange systems, and civil registries. However, the speedy implementation sometimes compromised the security, safety, and inclusivity of the systems.

Lea Gimpel advocates for the safe, secure, and inclusive implementation of DPI. Attention needs to be given to avoid risks such as data privacy issues, mass surveillance, and exclusion of vulnerable groups. DPI has an extended risk due to its implementation at population scale, and technologies with societal functions have long-term impacts.

To address these risks, the UN Tech Envoys Office and UNDP launched the Universal DPI Safeguards initiative. It aims to develop safeguards against risks in DPI designs, implementation, and governance.

The movement around DPI focuses on people’s protection and service delivery, emphasizing the approach over technology. Eileen Donahoe advocates for the use of technology to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and expand access to digital services globally. Embedding human rights by design into digital technology is also important in preventing the unconscious drift towards becoming surveillance states.

The United States lags significantly in digitizing government communication and rebuilding its infrastructure. Only 2% of federal government forms have been digitized, resulting in unclaimed government benefits worth $140 billion each year. The implementation of DPI is not solely applicable to low and middle-income countries, high-income countries also need to discuss their approach.

Successful DPI implementation in Estonia highlights the need for DPI standards and the integration of human rights by design. Concerns about potential surveillance risks arise if DPI is not correctly implemented. The speed of DPI implementation often makes implementing safeguards difficult, and the right to anonymity in DPI and Digital ID systems should be ensured.

Sustainability is an important consideration in DPI, as discussed at the G20 meeting in India. Insufficient safeguards in digital ID systems call for DPI safeguards that allow for system stop, reconsideration, or rollback if harm is found. Enforcement is required to ensure compliance with DPI safeguard frameworks. Global open standards increase accountability and add value by monitoring everyone’s system.

The government’s role is crucial in the digital era. It needs to be a partner for citizens and the private sector to build an innovation ecosystem that is crucial for the evolution of digital economies. Existing initiatives like the Global Digital Compact and Open Government Partnership provide an opportunity to create commitment for the DPI Safeguards Initiative.

Cooperation, sharing of technology, and learning are important for effective implementation at scale. Changing mindsets during implementation is crucial for success.

In summary, DPI enables citizens, entrepreneurs, and consumers to participate in society and markets. The Universal DPI Safeguards initiative addresses risks and develops safeguards. The movement around DPI emphasizes people’s protection and service delivery, focusing on the approach over technology. Human rights by design and the use of technology to advance the SDGs are crucial considerations. The United States needs to digitize government communication and infrastructure. High-income countries also need to discuss their approach to DPI. Standards, safeguards, and the right to anonymity are important in DPI implementation. Sustainability, enforcement, and global open standards play crucial roles. Government partnership and cooperation are essential, and existing frameworks provide opportunities for commitment. Effective implementation at scale requires cooperation, technology sharing, and mindset changes.

Robert Opp

The concept of digital public infrastructure should be seen as an approach rather than a technology or set of technologies, with a governance structure and appropriate safeguards. This approach is important for solving immediate problems and ensuring the future success of infrastructure projects. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to complement consultations with ground-level work in three to five countries, testing and applying the emergent framework. They will gather feedback from the field tests to inform the development of safeguards. The UNDP also plans to support countries in implementing the framework and addressing knowledge gaps. Mindset change and incentivizing collaboration are necessary to advance digitalization. Overcoming the current mindset issue requires collective effort and a shift in thinking. Collaboration is crucial for developing scalable ways to implement digitalization. The safeguard initiative is a positive step towards changing mindsets and promoting the implementation and scalability of digital solutions. Sharing and collaboration are crucial for developing and implementing digital solutions. It is important to incentivize people to collaboratively work towards digitalization. The challenge of keeping up with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence requires continuous learning and adaptation. Developing a global approach with safeguards is essential for the success of digitalization efforts. Rolling out this approach quickly with trust and sharing is necessary. In conclusion, the concept of digital public infrastructure as an approach, along with governance structures and safeguards, is important for solving problems and ensuring success. The UNDP’s efforts to complement consultations with ground-level work and support implementation are valuable. Mindset change, collaboration, and safeguards are necessary for digitalization. Sharing and collaboration are key for developing digital solutions. The challenge of emerging technologies like AI requires continuous learning. A global approach with safeguards is crucial, and it should be rolled out quickly with trust and sharing.

Amandeep Singh Gill

Amandeep Singh Gill emphasizes the need for a safeguards framework for digital public infrastructure (DPI) due to the risks and issues related to safety, security, data protection, and societal inclusion/exclusion. It is important to address these concerns to ensure the effective and ethical use of DPIs. Gill advocates for multi-stakeholder participation in building and managing the safeguards framework, including contributions from the private sector and civil society. This collaborative approach ensures diverse perspectives and expertise are considered, leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions.

The foundations of DPI are based on international human rights commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognizing the significance of these frameworks, DPIs are designed to align with and support the principles and objectives outlined in these global agendas. By incorporating human rights and SDG frameworks into DPIs, it becomes possible to promote inclusivity, sustainability, and socioeconomic development.

DPIs not only target government services but also play a critical role in boosting the innovation ecosystem by reducing barriers to innovation. By providing an enabling environment and infrastructure, DPIs encourage the development and adoption of new technologies, fostering digital innovation across various sectors. This not only benefits the public sector but also stimulates economic growth and offers new opportunities for businesses, including the emerging Fintech sector.

Promoting a digital economy that includes businesses from different sectors, such as Fintech, is crucial in building robust DPIs. Lowering entry barriers to innovation and increasing demand for digital services and products are central to DPIs. By creating a dynamic national digital economy, DPIs contribute to decent work and economic growth as outlined in SDG 8.

DPIs should also incentivize integration and usage in sectors that may initially not see the need for digital services. For example, it is crucial to demonstrate the benefits of using DPIs in agriculture to farmers who may not immediately recognize the advantages. By showcasing the value and potential of DPI services tailored to their specific needs, farmers can be encouraged to adopt digital solutions, leading to increased productivity and improved agricultural practices.

The G20 presidency offers an opportunity to make the digital development movement more sustainable and contextually relevant in Africa and Latin America. By building on the work conducted during the Indian presidency and collaborating with international partners, it is possible to address the specific challenges and opportunities faced by these regions, ensuring inclusive and equitable digital development.

Regular discussions and soft pressure can be cultivated to improve DPIs. By facilitating ongoing dialogue and regular review of principles and action frameworks, it becomes possible to identify areas for improvement and encourage adherence to established standards. This continual accountability and open communication contribute to the evolution and refinement of DPIs, aligning them with evolving needs and technological advancements.

Strengthening mutual learning ecosystems in various regions is a priority. Promoting cooperative learning environments and exchanging best practices between different regions can help accelerate digital development and enhance the effectiveness of DPIs. The success of the Nordic region in creating a mutual learning ecosystem serves as an example to be emulated in other parts of the world.

An initiative has been launched to unpack the concept of the right to anonymity. Amandeep Singh Gill is open to ideas and assistance in exploring this concept further. This initiative aligns with SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Unpacking the right to anonymity is crucial in ensuring the protection of digital rights while maintaining a balanced approach to privacy and security concerns.

In conclusion, Amandeep Singh Gill highlights the importance of implementing a safeguards framework for digital public infrastructure. This framework should address risks and issues related to safety, security, data protection, and societal inclusion/exclusion. Multi-stakeholder participation, aligning with human rights commitments and SDG frameworks, boosting the innovation ecosystem, and promoting a digital economy across sectors are key elements in building robust DPIs. The G20 presidency provides an opportunity to make digital development more sustainable, while continuous discussions and follow-up can drive improvement and accountability. Strengthening mutual learning ecosystems and exploring the concept of the right to anonymity are further steps towards promoting inclusive and ethical digital practices.

Henri Verdier

France has been at the forefront of developing digital public infrastructure (DPI), even before the term was officially coined. Their focus has been on aspects such as digital identity and public APIs. They understand the importance of public service rules, such as neutrality, accessibility, and equal access, in constructing DPI. By incorporating these rules, France aims to create a reliable and fair digital environment.

Notably, France recognizes the significance of the digital commons and the need for a free and neutral internet. They argue that DPI and the digital commons are essential for achieving this goal. While DPI refers to the infrastructure, the digital commons encompass concepts such as free software, open standards, and shared resources. The convergence of DPI and the digital commons has the potential to create a powerful and inclusive digital space.

In contrast to France’s proactive approach, Europe has stopped building public infrastructure since the 1970s. However, France insists that Europe should continue developing public digital infrastructure as digital identity and infrastructure for payment are as crucial in the digital age as roads were a century ago.

France also recognizes the potential for innovation and value creation through the OpenGov movement. They highlight that unleashing innovation in government processes can create significant value. This has been demonstrated in the past with initiatives focused on data and source code, and now with infrastructure development. France believes that the OpenGov movement can serve as a third source for unlocking value in the digital landscape.

Moreover, France acknowledges that public service can be implemented by the private sector, as long as certain rules are respected. They emphasize that while the private sector can finance public services, it should not take all the added value. This approach allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in the provision of public services.

Cooperation and community-building are highly valued by France. They argue that more emphasis should be placed on these aspects, rather than simply sharing code. Good documentation and specific types of codes are considered important details in the pursuit of effective collaboration.

However, France also recognizes the challenges that governments face in implementing digital transformations. They find it difficult to adhere to open standards and build small, reusable pieces of infrastructure. The historical context of digital disruption further complicates these projects. France advocates for a simpler, more efficient, and sustainable approach to digital transformations in government.

Using simple, open, and reusable standards can lead to more inclusive and sustainable infrastructure. An example of this is the case of Tuk-Tuk drivers in Bangalore, who developed a cost-effective solution to call a rickshaw, using Indian rules and leveraging infrastructure such as UPI and bacon. France emphasizes the value of adopting such standards to ensure that infrastructure is accessible and beneficial to all.

While infrastructure is vital, France also recognizes that it alone cannot protect democracy if it is misused for malicious purposes. A strong focus on implementing rules within the infrastructure is insufficient. Additional measures are necessary to safeguard democracy and ensure its integrity.

Efficient enforcement of approaches is key to success. By prioritizing efficiency, implementation and enforcement can be carried out in the most effective manner. This approach helps drive progress and ensures that initiatives are impactful and sustainable.

Lastly, France firmly believes in empowering people, unleashing innovation, and guaranteeing fundamental freedom as the most efficient way to promote economic and social development within a country. They advocate for a holistic approach that considers the importance of technology, innovation, and freedoms in shaping a prosperous and inclusive society.

In conclusion, France’s approach to developing digital public infrastructure is rooted in the principles of public service rules, open standards, and the use of digital commons. They stress the importance of continuing to build public digital infrastructure, advancing the OpenGov movement, and promoting cooperation and community-building. France recognizes the challenges of implementing digital transformations, but also highlights the potential for inclusive and sustainable infrastructure through the use of simple and reusable standards. They underline the need to protect democracy beyond infrastructure and advocate for efficient enforcement. Ultimately, France believes in harnessing the power of innovation and empowering individuals to drive economic and social development.

Speakers