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This month’s Digital Matters–our monthly round-up of news, research, events, and notable uses of tech–kicks off with the , a global convening of the digital public infrastructure (DPI) community that took place in Cairo, Egypt earlier this month. The Summit looked at the progress that countries have made to adopt and implement DPI principles, with an emphasis on the people rather than the technology.

In honor of Halloween, this collection of articles delves into recommendations and bold ideas to ensure that digital solutions developed today don’t haunt us tomorrow. In the spirit of collaborative engagement and mitigating risk, we highlight the launch of the , the , as well as 18F’s updated for public service delivery. The pieces featured also explore key interest areas for the future of DPI, issues ranging from the centering of to the challenges of interoperability for . We then cover ongoing dialogue around artificial intelligence (AI) in government. As AI has permeated dramatically into the private sector, the public sector is now grappling with frameworks for AI implementation. For instance, we cite the to improve search engines in government websites and recommendations from the on AI procurement standards.

Happy Halloween! May this coming year bring more treats than tricks on the tech front.

Making the argument for DPI globally

The tech-for-good community is researching and working towards a global approach to DPI, which had a big month. This first collection of articles represents the current state of the field.

By Yogesh Hirdaramani, GovInsider (October 25, 2024)

The Global DPI Summit brought together 700 innovators from over 100 countries, indicating the growing interest in DPI at the global stage. Speakers shared a wide array of ideas on credential sharing, cross-border documentation systems, and AI as a tool for language inclusion. Big picture, the summit emphasized open and interoperability for regional integration, highlighting initiatives like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System that simplify cross-border payments and boost intra-regional trade.

by Veronica M. Nduva and Eng. Daniel Murenzi, World Economic Forum (October 8, 2024)

In order for DPI to be effective and inclusive, trust is absolutely essential. Part of this trust is gained when the user understands how their data is being used and protected. Nduva and Murenzi illustrate how strong data security and digital standards play a role in economic integration through cross-border trade and e-commerce. They also draw attention to the need for private sector partnerships to accelerate DPI implementation.

by Justin Sherman, Atlantic Council (October 21, 2024)

Every country faces unique challenges when it comes to developing and implementing DPI. While some interventions have been built through a single, unified tech stack, others have been rolled out gradually and piece-by-piece. The varying approaches pose an issue in terms of consistent guidance for the field. The issue brief by Justin Sherman offers this guidance for the opportunities and risks that DPI poses for state-run digital systems, with an eye toward the biggest unresolved questions in digital trust, data privacy, and cybersecurity and resilience. Of note, DIGI team member Allison Price contributed to the working group behind this article, helping to shape its insights and recommendations.

by Emrys Schoemaker, Global Policy Journal (September 19, 2024)

Schoemaker argues that digital transformation–and DPI–efforts do not inherently serve the public interest. Instead, DPI efforts must actively engage in approaches that work toward aligning the public interest with technology. Shoemaker proposes creating a more holistic approach, urging stakeholders to avoid an overreliance on exclusively governance-led or technology-led solutions.

by Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (September 25, 2024)

Many women face roadblocks to accessing digital financial tools and services, including online bank accounts and loan applications. This article showcases DPI as a major development to address these roadblocks so that women are better able to progress economically. For instance, long-held gender disparities are being challenged by DPI interventions like digital payment systems, which reduce dependence on cash and allows more women to build a reliable record.

, Access Now (October 24, 2024)

Developing DPI requires a concerted effort to understand how human rights may be affected. However, this article argues that the dominant framework for DPI can often sideline human rights concerns and ignore genuine input from the communities in which it is deployed. Access Now cautions that implementation matters. At DIGI, we agree. Implementation must be thoughtful, and it must be comprehensive and inclusive. This article identifies critical areas of concern, including exclusion, discrimination, and coercion, while outlining recommendations to address these challenges.

Event: by UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (October 25, 2024)

The UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose launched the , a tool that offers a comprehensive view of DPI deployments across 210 countries. The DPI Map includes the current status of digital identity, payments, and data exchange systems. Understanding the current state of DPI deployments is critical, however, there has been a significant lack of accessible, comprehensive information on the status of these deployments globally. The DPI Map was designed to address this gap, offering the first extensive view of DPI deployments across the world.

Advancing public service delivery

Alongside global-scale conversations and efforts toward digital public infrastructure, there is also a call to improve more particular public services. These next articles bring out the barriers and opportunities that new technologies present for public service delivery.

by 18F

18F, a tech-focused team in the General Service Administration, . Government agencies at all levels face common challenges when adopting new technologies in public service delivery. 18F’s De-Risking Guide was made to provide some starting tools for governments to lower the high risk failure of technology projects. The new version of the guide highlights best practices in modern software development, 18F’s experience working with federal and state partners, and input from state employees.

Beeck Center at Georgetown Announcement: (October 2024)

Earlier this month, the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation and the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) launched the Digital Government Hub–dynamic, open-source reference library for anyone interested in enhancing government service delivery with data, design, and technology. The library currently hosts over 1200 resources across 14 topics, which include digital identity, human-centered design, and procurement.

by Jule Pattison-Gordon, GovTech (September 24, 2024)

Many applicants face barriers to accessing essential public services, resulting in missed aid that they are eligible to receive. To address this, the Facing a Financial Shock Identity Management team plans to release a playbook for state agencies on simplifying Medicaid and SNAP account creation. One area of discussion is password requirements. For example, could agencies skip the requirement for overly complex passwords and instead request long passwords, which can be stronger against brute force cybersecurity attacks. Another area of discussion is data exchange. Applicants for public services often have to repeatedly provide the same information to different agencies, which can be burdensome and poses a risk of data duplication. To ease the application process, a platform-based approach that allows agencies to exchange data can eliminate data redundancy and streamline workflows. Time and again, we see the potential for interoperable solutions in civic tech.

by Gaby Del Valle, The Verge (September 24, 2024)

This piece is interesting on a number of fronts, but flags the fact that there are unsettled legal questions with regards to digital ID implementation. As digital ID solutions grow, with seven states allowing digital IDs to be stored through Apple’s iPhone and Watch systems, it is essential that individuals understand their rights and best practices. There are many positive reasons to look at digital ID implementation, but there is also the potential for harm and education and engagement is essential. The author of this article, Gaby Del Valle, sheds light on the current risks that come with a reliance on digital IDs without clear safeguards, particularly in interactions with police officers. Ultimately, Del Valle recommends always having a physical ID on your person.

Intelligent procurement?

New technologies are inherently risky, but governments are risk-averse institutions. This is the inherent tension between the government's procurement of emerging technologies like AI. This last part of October Digital Matters delves into some initial ideas and projects for AI-backed systems in government, as well as the question of whether AI can be considered a digital public good. Finally, we end with the recent recognition of legal tools as digital public goods.

, The White House (October 3, 2024)

The federal government’s procurement decisions have far-reaching implications for the American people. In 2023, the federal government purchased more than $100 billion in IT products and services alone. Now, serious discussions are taking place regarding agency acquisition of artificial intelligence-based (AI) technologies to bolster innovation and competition. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently released a memorandum––to help federal agencies navigate procurement processes for AI responsibly. Their recommendations are three-prong: how to manage AI risks and performance, how to promote a competitive AI market with innovative acquisition, and how to ensure collaboration across the federal government. While this lays out some initial considerations, AI is a rapidly evolving technology that requires evolving discussion around acquisition.

by Kitty Wheeler, Technology Magazine (October 24, 2024)

Governments are grappling with digital transformation efforts of all shapes and sizes, and this article explores a particular effort to make government websites more user-friendly. and the have partnered with Kin + Carta, a consulting agency, to launch a new search engine for GOV.UK. This search engine is demonstrating how AI can be leveraged to improve public services, making it so that users can more easily and quickly find the information they need.

by Liv Marte Nordhaug, Digital Public Goods Alliance (October 29, 2024)

The spike in AI interest is also channeling into the context of (DPGs). DPGs are open-source that are defined and operationalized through a set of nine indicators. The DPG Standard Council is currently underway in updating the DPG Standard for AI systems. Nordhaug contends that this update will need to address the challenges around data sharing and AI. Specifically, Norhaug argues that AI systems and their potential categorization as DPGs hinge on open data standards.

by Cable Green, Creative Commons (October 8, 2024)

Creative Commons’ Legal Tools were officially recognized as digital public goods and accepted into the . This includes that help authors keep and manage copyright on their own terms and that facilitate the labeling and discovery of works that are free of known copyright restrictions. The recognition as a digital public good bolsters the visibility of these important tools, in turn, mobilizing the idea of digital public goods as resources to help solve pressing global challenges.

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