June Digital Matters

This month’s Digital Matters—our monthly round-up of news, research, events, and notable uses of tech— highlights a new DPI mapping effort, the transformative impact of implementing digital ID and identity verification systems safely, and the evolving regulatory landscape for AI and digital platforms.

As digital public infrastructure (DPI) continues to develop, digital IDs play a foundational role in enhancing public services and ensuring secure, efficient interactions that are meaningful for the user and the administrator. From enhancing travel security at U.S. airports to facilitating online passport renewals, digital IDs are revolutionizing public infrastructure globally. The launch of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Map and the implementation of digital identity systems in Austria and Lebanon showcase the potential to improve government services and foster inclusive growth. Philanthropic efforts also underscore the importance of equitable access to the benefits of an inclusive data revolution.

We also explore how the G7 included AI at their Italian hosted summit mid-June. Finally, we turn our attention to the U.S. government and how federal agencies can leverage current laws to regulate AI effectively. In an insightful podcast, Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, discusses the administration's priorities and initiatives to manage AI’s risks while maximizing its benefits, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that integrates innovation with fundamental values such as safety, privacy, and non-discrimination.

How are digital IDs transforming public infrastructure and services?

As digital IDs become more prevalent, their role in transforming public infrastructure and services cannot be understated. These articles explore the implementation and impact of digital IDs across different sectors and regions, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges they present.

Launch of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Map by Eaves, D., Rao, K., Dhamija, A., Pagliarini, G. & Vera, K., Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (June 11, 2024)

The Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Map is a crucial tool for researchers, policymakers, DPI builders, and advocates. This innovative resource offers a comprehensive global repository of data on identity, payment, and data exchange systems globally, detailing their technology and governance features. It also introduces a measurement framework to translate DPI's normative qualities into practical metrics and presents insights on regional and component-wise trends in DPI. Presently, the dataset covers 132 countries across Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and South and Southeast Asia. The DPI Map allows users to explore specific country deployments, access detailed information on various systems, and download raw data for further analysis. This new tool promises to be a valuable asset in understanding and advancing digital public infrastructure worldwide.

Austria Launches Digital Proof of ID, Mobile ID World (June 25, 2024)

Austria has introduced a fully digital proof of identity within its digital ID wallet app, ‘eAusweise.’ The initiative aligns with the European Digital Identity Framework Regulation, eIDAS 2.0, and is fully compliant with ISO 18013-5. Since its initial launch in late 2022, the ‘eAusweise’ app has seen over one million digital documents activated, reflecting the growing acceptance of digital ID solutions in Austria.

Digital identity: building the foundations of digital public infrastructure in Lebanon by Abdallah Jabbour & Christopher Tullis, World Bank (June 03, 2024)

Lebanon is embarking on a transformative journey to build its digital public infrastructure, recognizing digital identity (ID) as the foundation for reliable interactions between individuals, governments, and businesses. Amid a severe economic and political crisis, the country is implementing the 2020-2030 Lebanon Digital Transformation Strategy, spearheaded by the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR). This strategy emphasizes the importance of digital ID and e-signature capabilities to enhance administrative efficiency, reduce identity fraud, and improve service delivery across sectors such as healthcare, social welfare, and banking. Supported by the World Bank, Lebanon is prioritizing the development of a robust digital ID system, focusing on interoperability standards, data governance, and secure data sharing. The World Bank's recent reports, Lebanon ID Diagnostic and Lebanon Digital ID Use Cases, provide critical insights and recommendations to strengthen Lebanon's digital ID ecosystem. By addressing both quick wins and comprehensive investments, Lebanon aims to create a trusted e-government framework, fostering long-term growth and recovery.

TSA Now Accepts Digital IDs From These Nine States by Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes (June 12, 2024)

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts mobile driver licenses (mDLs) from nine states at more than two dozen major U.S. airports. Nearly 70 million Americans can now use a digital ID stored on their phones instead of a physical driver’s license when flying domestically. New Yorkers can download the New York Mobile ID app at no additional cost if they have a valid license, permit, or non-driver ID card. This move aims to enhance convenience and security, allowing travelers to validate their identity through TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) readers. These devices use facial recognition technology and secure internet connections to TSA’s Secure Flight system, eliminating the need to show a boarding pass. This initiative is a significant step forward in the development of Digital Public Infrastructure, streamlining identification processes and improving user experience. However, only digital IDs issued by specific states, including California, New York, Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, and Louisiana, are currently accepted. The mDL program is separate from TSA PreCheck and focuses on providing a more efficient and secure identity verification process at airport checkpoints.

State Dept. Tests Online Passport Renewals as Digital IDs Gain Traction by PYMNTS (June 14, 2024)

The U.S. State Department has begun beta testing an online passport renewal program, allowing travelers to update their passports digitally. This trial, with limited daily access and application acceptance, is aimed at monitoring the system’s performance in real-time. The initiative marks a shift towards digital public infrastructure (DPI) in the United States, aligning with other advancements such as mobile driver's licenses and AI-enhanced identification by agencies like TSA and Homeland Security. From a DPI perspective, this move is crucial as it represents a step towards more efficient, secure, and user-friendly government services, reducing the reliance on physical documents and manual processes. Despite being behind some state-level digital ID initiatives, this move promises to streamline the traditionally cumbersome passport renewal process. PYMNTS Intelligence reports strong consumer interest in advanced ID verification, with 70% of U.S. adults favoring such technologies, indicating a growing acceptance and trust in digital identity solutions. As familiarity with these technologies increases, so does consumer interest, suggesting that education and exposure could further enhance the adoption of digital public infrastructure.

What regulatory and policy frameworks are emerging to strengthen governance efforts of AI and digital platforms?

The rapid advancement of AI and digital platforms has prompted the need for robust regulatory frameworks and global dialogue around tech ethics to better manage their risks and maximize their benefits. These articles and reports examine the evolving landscape of AI regulation, the role of human rights impact assessments, and the actions being taken by various agencies and institutions to ensure responsible governance in the digital age.

Taking Further Agency Action on AI: How Agencies Can Deploy Existing Statutory Authorities To Regulate Artificial Intelligence by Governing for Impact and the Center for American Progress (June 17, 2024)

In response to the rapid advancements and growing concerns surrounding AI, this joint report from Governing for Impact and the Center for American Progress explores how federal agencies can use their existing statutory authorities to regulate AI. The report emphasizes the importance of leveraging current laws to address AI risks and opportunities, especially in the absence of new legislation from Congress. Highlighting the Biden administration's proactive steps, such as executive orders and OMB guidance, the report details how various federal agencies, including the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, and financial regulators, can utilize their existing powers to protect consumers, workers, and families from AI-related harms. From a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) perspective, the deployment of these authorities is crucial for creating a robust and trusted regulatory framework that ensures AI technologies benefit society broadly rather than solely enriching tech giants. The report underscores the need for federal regulators to be prepared and adaptive, using every tool at their disposal to manage the evolving landscape of AI and its implications across different sectors of the economy.

Apulia G7 Leaders’ Communiqué, G7 Italia 2024 (June 2024) *Note pages 21-23.

The G7 under the Italian Presidency reached a groundbreaking consensus during the Leaders' Summit with discussions focused on safe, secure and inclusive practices, tools and solutions to make the benefits of AI and advanced computing available to partners to advance the development. The G7 decided to establish an AI Hub for Sustainable Development, in collaboration with UNDP. The Hub aims to support local AI ecosystems and talent through responsible private sector innovation and collective action. A shared commitment to development cooperation in the digital era is a key indicator for a healthier digital ecosystem.

The data revolution offers enormous benefits. Philanthropy can ensure they’re evenly felt by Priya Vora, Kay McGowan & Abby Garmon, DIAL (June 13 2024)

The data revolution holds enormous potential to transform lives, but also carries significant risks, such as exclusion and privacy breaches. As data production grows exponentially, ensuring equitable access and benefits becomes crucial. Philanthropy plays a vital role in shaping a digital future that promotes rights, builds trust, and drives inclusive growth. By supporting innovative solutions and fostering collaboration, philanthropic efforts can create a positive impact on data infrastructure. A call-to-action paper outlines seven strategic "big bets" for philanthropy, including establishing global progress metrics, strengthening talent pipelines, and investing in open-source solutions. Engaging in these efforts can help ensure a sustainable, inclusive data-driven future.

From Soft Law to Hard Law: Human Rights Impact Assessments in the Digital Services Act Era by Ramiro Álvarez Ugarte, Tech Policy Press (June 20, 2024)

Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIAs) have long been tools for tech companies to manage human rights risks within the voluntary framework established by the United Nations Guiding Principles. However, the emergence of regulations like the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the UK Online Safety Act is poised to transform HRIAs from soft law mechanisms into components of hard law compliance. These new regulations demand more stringent oversight and accountability, potentially bridging the gap between corporate self-regulation and legal enforcement. By aligning HRIAs more closely with legal principles, companies can better navigate the complex landscape of digital governance, ensuring that human rights are upheld not only in theory but in practice. This shift underscores the importance of robust legal frameworks in enhancing the efficacy of digital public infrastructure, providing clearer pathways for enforcing rights and safeguarding against transnational human rights violations.

A Conversation with White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Arati Prabhakar by Justin Hendrix, Tech Policy Press (June 16, 2024)

In this podcast episode, Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), discusses the administration's AI priorities and the recent event "AI Aspirations: R&D for Public Missions." The event highlighted AI's potential to enhance government services, improve healthcare, and address energy needs, while emphasizing the importance of managing AI's risks to maximize its benefits. Prabhakar stresses the need for a balanced approach, integrating innovation with fundamental values like safety, privacy, and freedom from discrimination. The conversation underscores the administration's commitment to developing a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to harness AI for public good, ensuring it serves all Americans equitably and responsibly.

Responsible technology: A path towards an ethical innovation ecosystem: Outcomes Report of the Ethical Principles for Responsible Technology Multistakeholder Initiative by Project Liberty Institute + Aspen Digital (June 19, 2024)

New technologies bring tremendous promise but also risks if not developed responsibly. To advance frameworks for the ethical development of emerging technologies, Project Liberty’s Institute and Aspen Digital convened over 150 experts from all sectors and across five continents in extensive multistakeholder consultations throughout 2023. Key insights distilled from these discussions underscore a primary insight: we must demand more from technology than merely minimizing harm. Participants envisioned positive futures where innovation advances human dignity and shared prosperity.

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