UN-based alliance calls on governments to ensure ‘responsible’ digital payments

The UN-affiliated Better Than Cash Alliance published ‘UN Principles for Responsible Digital Payments’ which urge governments to include in their legislation the responsible digitalisation of governmental payments. The nine principles advocate for responsible practices in the digitisation of payments, as opposed to providing a technical analysis of what each principle means in practice. To respond to the urgent need for digital payments and prepare for the next pandemic or natural disaster, the principles focus on the following:

• Prioritisation of women as a key cornerstone for sustained development
• New technologies are developed and delivered responsibly
• A stronger user lens scrutinises all aspects of digital payments, and
• Recommendations to deliver positive lasting change