September Digital Matters

This month’s Digital Matters—our monthly round-up of news, research, events, and notable uses of tech— focuses on how the global community is responding to the need for rights-respecting innovation and how the public interacts with government and tech. DIGI continues to explore how Digital Public Infrastructure efforts can have a positive impact on government services and improve the resiliency of systems, institutions, and communities – especially in the context of conflicts, natural disasters, pandemics, and other humanitarian crises. We wrap up with new September releases and events we are flagging in October.

We also dive into the latest news on tech governance in the US and abroad. There is a lot to cover, starting with events including the Tallinn Digital Summit, Open Government Partnership (OGP Summit), the G20, and the UN General Assembly. In the U.S, we are tracking the White House’s post Why the American People Deserve a Digital Government, OMB’s new policy guidance to agencies on Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience (M-23-22), new U.S. legal action related to Amazon and ongoing legal action related to Google about alleged Big Tech anti competitive behaviors, and whether Washington will sort out guardrails for AI (in the midst of an impending government shutdown). We are also trying to understand why Elon Musk would fire the election integrity team with X (the company formerly known as Twitter). Buckle up for the next few months.

Why was September pivotal for global dialogue advancing accessible and inclusive DPI measures?

We are seeing a surge in international commitments, from the UN’s latest efforts to bolster DPI across the globe, to India’s strategic use of the G20 platform, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation commitment to champion DPI as a tool to address economic mobility. While questions remain about taxonomy and definitions, there are many activities that contribute to the advancement of safe and rights-respecting DPI that don’t use the DPI terminology. The most significant aspect of this momentum is the interest in dialogues that thoughtfully cover safeguards, scaling and replication, accessibility and inclusivity, economic opportunity, sustainable financing, and governance concerns.

UN Digital event mobilizes global leadership and US$400 million to support digital public infrastructure, UNDP (Sept 18, 2023)

During the UN's SDG Action Weekend at UNGA, a global initiative was launched to develop inclusive and safe digital public infrastructure (DPI) in 100 countries by 2030. Countries like Brazil, Egypt, and India, among others, pledged specific support, while significant financial commitments came from various organizations, including Spain's $300 million fund for Latin America. The initiative also introduced standardized measures, like the Digital Legal ID Governance Framework, to help guide the development of DPI. The ID framework leverages the expertise of 30 leaders in the ID field and more than 80 ID governance best practices. The overarching goal is to harness DPI's transformative potential for sustainable and inclusive global development and digital ID verification is foundational to this pursuit.

UN High Impact Initiative: Digital Public Infrastructure, ITU (Sept 2023)

Under the same effort, The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) shared its vision on the UN’s High Impact Initiative, which emphasizes the transformative role of DPI in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Five core pillars drive its vision: establishing universal digital safeguards to respect human rights, ensuring universal accessibility, fostering affordability and scalability, promoting green financing and sustainability, and mobilizing targeted financing solutions. By addressing these, DPI could significantly impact various SDGs at a larger scale, potentially alleviating poverty for millions, broadening financial inclusivity, and aiding in climate action.

Decoding the G20 Consensus on Digital Public Infrastructure: A Key Outcome of India’s Presidency by Rudra Chaudhuri, Carnegie India (Sept 1, 2023)

In a recent deep-dive into the evolving landscape of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), the article sheds light on India's strategic moves to embed DPI into the global policy lexicon. Following Prime Minister Modi’s proactive engagements, including a significant state visit to Washington, DC, and subsequent dialogues with European nations, the article underscores a marked shift in international sentiments towards DPI. Notably, this isn't confined to mere bilateral endorsements; the G20 has also spotlighted DPI, illustrating its expanding global relevance. The narrative delves into the tangible steps proposed: from the creation of a global DPI institute to the importance of standardized deployment models. As nations grapple with the challenges and opportunities of the digital era, the article posits that a synchronized global approach to DPI could be instrumental in navigating digital transformation efforts.

The Biden Administration released the following statement related to DPI and the G20 Summit: Improving access to digital services to boost sustainable and inclusive growth. President Biden joined other G20 leaders in taking steps towards unlocking the benefits of digital public infrastructure (DPI), stressing the importance of prioritizing secure, inclusive, and accountable approaches to DPI, built and leveraged by both the public and private sectors, that respect human rights and protect personal data, privacy, and intellectual property rights.

Full September 9, 2023 G20 White House Fact Sheet here

A Tipping Point in the Tone of Tech Discussions? by Silvana Rodriguez (Sept 29, 2023)

DIGI Fellow Silvana Rodriguez participated in the Tallinn Digital Summit (September 5) and shares reflections from the convening. Two topics drove many of the conversations: the buzz around generative AI and large language models, and Ukraine’s resilience amid the ongoing Russian invasion. Following years of tense debate around the benefits and pitfalls of technology, the more nuanced tone of discussions at TDS begged the question: could these two flashpoints provide the common ground we need to move past our entrenched positions for better collaboration across sectors when it comes to leveraging tech?

How can Digital Public Infrastructure solutions improve the provision of public services – and maybe even public trust in government?

According to Pew Research, positive views of many governmental and political institutions are at historic lows. Just 16% of the public say they trust the U.S. federal government always or most of the time. Strikingly related, the Tony Blair Institute released a report, Reimagining Government for the 21st Century (Sept 15 2023) focused on improving public service delivery with more civic engagement, effectively harnessing data to reduce bureaucracy and costs, and public-private partnerships. Identifying examples of DPI continues to be challenging [see the issues about taxonomy]. But examples of the DPI framework ethos keep popping up. Two we took note of this month were announced in Singapore and Australia. These early efforts represent the potential for governments to innovate (safely) and leverage tech to improve services.

This world-class airport will soon go passport-free by Heather Chen, CNN (Sept 20, 2023)

In 2024, Singapore's Changi Airport will implement automated immigration clearance – effectively making it “passport-free”. By transitioning from traditional passport checks to biometric data systems, Changi Airport is demonstrating the potential effectiveness and efficiencies in integrating digital infrastructure into public services and enhancing user experience. This "single token of authentication" process, which streamlines multiple stages of the travel journey, represents how digital advancements can revolutionize public spaces and systems. Globally, multiple airports are exploring the adoption of similar digital infrastructures, indicating a broader trend towards merging the thoughtful application of technology with traditional public services to meet modern-day demands and enhance security.

The Digital Skills Passport Explained, Daily AUS (Sept 25, 2023)

The Australian Government will create a digital ‘Skills Passport’ for workers so they can more easily connect with potential employers. The national initiative will likely take form as an app to manage workers’ qualifications. The passport is designed to help address growing skill shortages by helping workers showcase their qualifications and assist businesses in finding skilled personnel. The passport will consolidate qualifications and higher education, simplifying the hiring and job transition processes. With a $9.1 million commitment, the government will engage in consultations with stakeholders and the public to shape its direction.

Will trust in government and tech improve and will we ever see greater privacy controls, competition and advocating for the end-user?

Like many, we are following the Google and (recent) Amazon cases with interest. It is hard to reimagine the internet when so many things feel stacked against the end-user. In the case of Google, we are hopeful that the case will encourage the development of systems to make digital advertising and the internet safer and more equitable by prioritizing privacy and user control. Google labeled the U.S.’s case as deeply flawed and laid out their side in a blog post, People use Google because it's helpful. With Amazon, the complaint alleges Amazon demonstrates anticompetitive behavior including punitive and coercive measures. Only time will tell how these cases play out. But the question that remains highly speculative is what impact will these cases have on our digital futures?

Concerns Mount Over Social Media and 2024 Elections by Gabby Miller, Tech Policy Press (Sept 28, 2023)

As 2024 approaches, concerns over digital platforms' preparedness for the globally significant election year grow. Gabby Miller gives a recount of the different publications and events over the preparedness of digital platforms. At a UCLA panel, ex-Twitter executive Yoel Roth voiced apprehensions about platforms' potential vulnerabilities. The increasing use of AI, especially in creating deep fakes, further complicates matters. The "Democracy by Design'' framework, endorsed by several civil society groups, proposes measures for transparency and resilience in handling misinformation. The landscape is muddied by political attacks against disinformation researchers and GOP-led threats against institutions. Despite challenges, experts like Kate Starbird remain dedicated to studying misinformation's impact. Katie Harbath, a former Meta executive, emphasizes the ongoing efforts of many to protect election integrity.

Worth noting is the fact that there will be 44 national-level elections held around the world in 2024, according to American University’s Global Elections Tracker.

Celebrating September Releases

Proof of Concept: Open Asset Repatriation System (OARS), Digital Impact and Governance Initiative at New America, (Sept 26, 2023)

The Open Asset Repatriation System (OARS) is a proof of concept open-source platform utilizing distributed ledger technology to enhance transparency and accountability in the asset repatriation process globally. Designed primarily as a payment tracing tool, it allows approved stakeholders to view transactions in real-time, ensuring funds are not misappropriated and supporting the rule of law. OARS further promotes civic engagement by allowing organizations to monitor fund usage in sectors like education or health. This project was supported by the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the Rockefeller Foundation.

New Book: Number Go Up by Zeke Faux (Sept, 2023)

In "Number Go Up", investigative reporter, and New America Fellow, Zeke Faux dives into the 2021 cryptocurrency frenzy to discern its legitimacy. Chronicling his journey, Faux introduces figures like Sam Bankman-Fried, explores extravagant crypto events, and even uncovers dark undertones in the digital currency world, as witnessed in Cambodia. This book offers a gripping portrayal of the crypto era's highs and lows amid a growing conversation on technology governance. If we can get past the ridiculousness of many of the things that have happened in the crypto space and look at the tech and the opportunities for innovation, big questions remain about how to harness or leverage these advancements in a way that is designed in the public interest. More work, research, and understanding is needed on this front. The technologies powering crypto may offer ways to make payments faster, cheaper, more accessible, even safer. But to realize these benefits, new technologies – all technologies – need commensurate safeguards and trusted practices designed to protect individuals, households, businesses, and our economy.

Looking Towards October

Launch of Freedom on the Net 2023, (Freedom House), Oct 4, Online

Join Freedom House for the launch of Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence. Following a presentation on key findings from the 2023 report, experts will discuss global trends, country-specific developments, and best practices for how to protect internet freedom. The event will feature: Freedom House President, Michael J. Abramowitz, Allie Funk, Research Director for Technology and Democracy, Audrey Tang, Minister of Digital Affairs of Taiwan, Nighat Dad, Executive Director, Digital Rights Foundation, Teresa Hutson, Corporate Vice President of Technology for Fundamental Rights, Microsoft, and Kara Swisher, Journalist.

Upcoming Internet Governance Forum Meeting, Oct 8th-12th, Kyoto Japan

Organized under the banner of "The Internet We Want - Empowering All People," the IGF aims to foster discussions and collaborative solutions to some of the most pressing internet governance challenges. From delving deep into the nuances of AI and emerging technologies to understanding the imperatives of cybersecurity and online safety, the forum promises rich debates including avoiding internet fragmentation, ensuring data governance, bridging digital divides, promoting global digital cooperation, safeguarding human rights online, and integrating sustainable practices in the digital realm.

Annual Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN) Convening on Oct 12-13, 2023, Boston

Organized around the theme of Partnership for Impact, the 2023 Convening will explore how universities can partner with government, companies, universities and community organizations to foster public interest technology, and address modern challenges. Topics from past convenings, including data privacy, equitable design, cybersecurity, ethics in AI, public infrastructure, green technologies and more, will be discussed. The convening welcomes Universities’ leadership, researchers, faculty, students, entrepreneurs, activists, tech workers, government employees and anyone interested in developing technology that serves the public interest.

Financial Inclusion Week Oct 17, 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM (ET), Online

Please join DIGI for a discussion on financing DPI. For global digital transformation to be successful, stakeholders must assess how to develop and deploy more inclusive systems collaboratively, safely, and effectively. Mounting evidence shows that DPI can support better people-centered outcomes by enabling identity verification, digital payments, data sharing, and other essential, society-wide functions that power the delivery of services across the public and private sectors. However, for the emerging field to live up to its promise, there must be a clear path to sustainable financing. As part of this effort, New America, EY, and Co-Develop teamed up in a cross-sector collaboration to explore financing mechanisms for DPI. Please join the session discussing the findings from the report, Financing Digital Public Infrastructure: Approaches to Sustain Digital Transformation.