India's Digital Public Infrastructure: Potential, Pitfalls, and the Need for Responsible Development
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?
Understanding India's DPI
- 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 services [1]. The DPI has been praised by many global leaders, such as Bill Gates, for its potential to transform the Indian economy and foster inclusive growth [2].
Challenges and Concerns
- 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 entities [3, 4]. Some civil society groups and activists have raised concerns about the DPI's impact on human rights, democracy, and social justice [5].
- 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 malnutrition [6]. Anganwadi centers play a vital role in the early childhood development and well-being of millions of children and women in India [7].
The Role of GLDs
- 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 Ma [8].
- 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 actions [9].
Protecting the Common Man
- 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 man [11].
Additional Considerations
- A recent Statista report, based on the World Economic Forum's Global Risk Report, highlights concerns about misinformation and disinformation in India (https://www.statista.com/chart/31605/rank-of-misinformation-disinformation-among-selected-countries/). This underscores the need to address these issues alongside the development of the DPI.
The Way Forward
All these instances remind us about the fundamental wisdom that we should celebrate our success by keeping our eyes open to our shortcomings, which must be targeted to be overcome as our next step in our assault on our weakness. GLDs are expected to act as a warning bell. In today's world of technological hegemony, who else but Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman are better placed to prevail upon global leaders to take necessary steps in the direction of data privacy, safety, and protection.
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