DPI , AND GLDs & THEIR PHILANTHROPY, PROFIT MOTIVTION AND INDIA

Strangely enough, some tech billionaires like Bill Gates, who continue to praise Indian DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure),  (https://www.gatesnotes.com/India-is-changing-the-world-with-innovation)     never mince a single word about the poor state of data protection, data privacy, data safety, digital literacy of India, and the state of healthcare and education, of Anganwadi centers, etc. If GLDs (global leaders of digital tech) are playing politically correct games for the benefit of their NGOs and philanthropy, who will take the lead to save the common man from digital tyranny?

- Indian DPI refers to the collection of technological systems, platforms, and services that enable the Indian government, businesses, and citizens to interact digitally. It includes a digital identification layer called Aadhar, a payments system running as a Unified Payment Interface, and a data exchange layer in its Account Aggregator, among other services¹. The DPI has been praised by many global leaders, such as Bill Gates, for its potential to transform the Indian economy and foster inclusive growth².

- However, the DPI also faces some challenges and criticisms, such as the lack of adequate data protection and privacy laws, the low level of digital literacy and access among the population, and the possible misuse or abuse of data by the government or private entities³⁴. Some civil society groups and activists have raised concerns about the DPI's impact on human rights, democracy, and social justice⁵.

- Anganwadi centers are a type of rural child care center in India, which provide basic health care, nutrition, and preschool education to children aged 0-6 years, as well as to pregnant and lactating women. They are part of the Integrated Child Development Service program, which was launched in 1975 to combat child hunger and malnutrition⁶. Anganwadi centers play a vital role in the early childhood development and well-being of millions of children and women in India⁷.

- GLDs are global leaders of digital technology, who have a significant influence and impact on the development and adoption of digital innovations and solutions. They include technology entrepreneurs, executives, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders. Some examples of GLDs are Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jack Ma⁸.

- GLDs may have different motivations and agendas for their involvement in the Indian DPI or other digital initiatives in India. Some may be genuinely interested in supporting the social and economic development of India, while others may be driven by business opportunities, strategic interests, or philanthropic goals. Some may also have political or ideological affiliations or preferences that may affect their views and actions⁹.

- The common man, or the ordinary citizen, may face various challenges and risks in the digital era, such as digital exclusion, digital inequality, digital surveillance, digital manipulation, digital fraud, and digital addiction[^10^]. To save the common man from digital tyranny, or the excessive and oppressive use of digital power, there is a need for collective action and collaboration among various stakeholders, such as the government, the civil society, the media, the academia, the industry, and the public. There is also a need for digital literacy, digital awareness, digital empowerment, and digital rights for the common man¹¹.

Recently Staista  published a report on the basis of the  WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM'S REPORT OF THE GLOBAL RISK.https://www.statista.com/chart/31605/rank-of-misinformation-disinformation-among-selected-countries/

       All these instances remin about the fundamental wisdom that we should celebrate our success by keeping our eyes open to out short comings which must be targeted to be overcome as our next step of aur assault on our weakness. But GLDs are expected to act as a warning bell. In today's world of technological hegemony who else than Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman are better places to prevail hoon global leaders to take necessery steps in the direction of data privacy saftey and protection.

Sources"

(1) 2020 Global Technology Leadership Study | Deloitte Insights. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/leadership/global-technology-leadership-study.html.

(2) About - GLDS. https://www.glds.com/about/.

(3) Data protection and digital rights in India | IDR. https://idronline.org/article/rights/data-protection-and-digital-rights-in-india/.

(4) India's Digital Future: The Digital India Act 2023. https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-digital-future-the-digital-india-act-2023.

(5) India's Digital Literacy: Challenges, Progress and the Way Forward. https://theprocessor.in/policy-puzzles/government-initiatives-to-promote-digital-literacy.

(6) Processes and Requirements for Privacy & Data Protection | Deloitte. https://www2.deloitte.com/in/en/pages/risk/topics/privacy-data-protection.html.

(7) Anganwadi System in India: What Are They and Why Do We Need Them?. https://varthana.com/school/anganwadis-in-indias-preschool-system-what-are-they-and-why-do-we-need-them/.

(8) Anganwadi - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anganwadi.

(9) Anganwadis | Role | Basics | Importance | Facts - Education India. https://targetstudy.com/articles/role-of-anganwadis-in-early-schooling-of-rural-children.html.

(10) Open New Anganwadi 2024: Eligibility, Documents and Apply - WBGOV.org. https://www.wbgov.org/anganwadi/.

(11) See why India's Digital Public Infrastructure is now attracting .... https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/08/the-international-significance-of-indias-digital-public-infrastructure/.

(12) Developments in Digital Infrastructure - Press Information Bureau. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1894920.

(13) Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): New Backbone of India’s Economy. https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/digital-public-infrastructure-dpi/.

(14) India's Digital Public Infrastructure: A Model for Global Development. https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=India%26%2339%3bs-Digital-Public-Infrastructure%3a-A-Model-for-Global-Development&id=471007.