Digital Public Infrastructure: Its appeal mustn't obscure its risks

DPI offers immense benefits but we need clear-cut guidelines and protections to prevent its misuse

- CARL GAHNBERG

In recent years, the concept of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has gained significant attention from the international community, including the United Nations and G20, as a new policy paradigm for development. But understanding the risks of DPI is crucial to ensuring that its potential benefits materialize.

The risks stem from the fact that "digital public infrastructure" lacks a clear definition. The term encompasses the many digital technologies that serve as economic and social infrastructure, from digital identification and payment systems to data exchanges and health services.

As a policy initiative, though, Digital Public Infrastructure refers to a vague vision of using these technologies to serve the public interest. This could result in the internet and technological innovation working for everyone—or just as easily turn them into tools for political control.

In discussions about Digital Public Infrastructure, policymakers often point to cases that highlight how technology and connectivity can spur development. As an example, they frequently cite India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has expanded financial inclusion and reduced the cost of digital transactions for its hundreds of millions of users in the country.