Digital Public Services

In much of the world, digital financial tools are a daily reality—used to process paychecks, pay for dinner, buy groceries, and more. But 1.4 billion adults in low- and middle-income countries still lack access to these tools.    This isn’t just an inconvenience for them; it's a barrier to economic growth and empowerment. According to a 2023 UN analysis, digital public infrastructure—including digital ID, payments, and data exchange—could accelerate GDP growth in these countries by 20 to 33 percent.    That’s where Mojaloop Foundation comes in: Their open-source software makes it possible for countries to build inclusive digital payment systems that allow anyone with a mobile phone to send and receive money securely, instantly, and affordably. This has the potential to drive economic inclusion—and open the doors to financial freedom—for billions.

Australia ❤️ is good at digital govt. But in a world of rapid change, good isn’t good enough 🤷♂️ When people think of world-leading digital nations, they point to Singapore, Estonia, and increasingly, the UAE. Yes - they’re small, agile, and highly coordinated. But size is no excuse. 🇺🇦 Ukraine (pop. ~40 million) is racing toward Gov 3.0 maturity via its Diia platform - even during a war. 🇮🇳 India (pop. 1.5 billion 🤯) is delivering digital transformation at national scale. The India Stack, anchored by Aadhaar, is enabling inclusion, innovation, and economic uplift for over a billion people. ✳️ Why does this matter? One word: Productivity As population growth and participation rates flatten, productivity becomes the key to prosperity. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is right ✅ to put it front and centre - he’s convening a national productivity roundtable on 25 August to build consensus for reform. Last year, I co-led a productivity roadshow across Australia and New Zealand, asking: Which govt services would deliver the biggest productivity dividend if digitised at scale? The result? The GX5 : Five digital initiatives with the biggest productivity upside We assessed 24 govt digitalisation opportunities and filtered them through three lenses: 1. Citizen-facing – high visibility and public benefit 2. Deployment-ready – proven globally, good to go 3. High productivity impact – across govt, business, and individuals The top five: 🟦 Digital ID – secure, streamlined identity verification 🟦 Digital Skills Wallet – verified, portable credentials 🟦 Digital Front Door – one-stop access to govt services 🟦 Digital Health Record – accessible, coordinated medical data 🟦 Digital Licences & Permits – instantly verifiable credentials 📊 According to the attached GX5 report, Digital ID alone could unlock $19–32 billion per year in economic benefits - up to 1.2% of GDP - based on results from Singpass (Singapore) and Aadhaar (India) . Importantly, the Federal Govt passed legislation last year 🙏 to enable an opt-in digital ID system - a critical reform that will boost security, privacy, and service delivery across the country. This attached report was a collaboration between Ember Advisors and ServiceGen, with support from Amazon Web Services (AWS). If we want to stay globally competitive, we must build and embrace public digital infrastructure. It’s how we move from good to great 🙏🏼

A substantive policy decision has come out of France, where the government has committed to phasing out US based collaboration platforms across public administration in favor of a domestically developed alternative. The rationale is not novelty or protectionism, but governance. France will require public officials to move away from platforms including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, WhatsApp, and Telegram Messenger, shifting instead to state approved tools such as Visio for videoconferencing and Tchap for messaging. Visio is developed under the authority of the Interministerial Digital Directorate and runs on French infrastructure. It is already used by tens of thousands of civil servants, with a target of broad adoption across government by 2027. https://lnkd.in/efbMG5NN Collaboration platforms are not neutral tools. They structure data flows, determine jurisdictional exposure, and embed long term dependencies into public institutions. In a regulatory environment shaped by GDPR, the EU AI Act, and increased scrutiny of cross border data transfers, these choices are no longer technical. They are political, legal, and strategic. France’s move reflects a broader shift in how digital infrastructure is understood in Europe. Digital sovereignty is being translated into procurement rules, system architecture, and enforceable institutional practice. Similar calls for greater digital independence from the United States have been made by European leaders across Germany, Spain, and at the EU level, particularly in relation to cloud services, data localization, and strategic technologies. A cross-party majority of Members of the European Parliament have explicitly called for reducing reliance on US digital infrastructure and expanding European capabilities in a recent technological sovereignty resolution, framing it as a strategic necessity rather than mere regulation.  https://lnkd.in/eBHQ3YfE What distinguishes the French case is the execution. Policy intent has now been converted into mandatory tools, monitored adoption, and infrastructure level enforcement.

Spain is one of the first EU countries out of the blocks publishing their AI Act implementation legislation. The Spanish approach creates a centralised coordination system with specialised oversight mechanisms and introduces several innovative protections beyond EU requirements. The Spanish legislation establishes the Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence (AESIA) as a central coordinating body that will serve as the Single Point of Contact with the European Commission and chair a Joint Committee for Coordination. Alongside this centralised coordination, Spain has designated specialised sectoral authorities including the Spanish Data Protection Agency and the Bank of Spain to regulate AI systems in their respective domains. This approach bears similarities to Ireland's recently announced AI legislative strategy. While initially characterised as purely distributed, Ireland will in fact be establishing a "single super regulator" to coordinate all competent authorities. Like Spain, Ireland has designated existing sectoral regulators including the Central Bank of Ireland, the Data Protection Commission, and various other authorities to oversee AI systems in their areas of expertise. Both countries seem to be implementing a two-tier system: a central coordinating body paired with sectoral regulators bringing domain-specific knowledge. There are notable parallels in the designated authorities, with financial regulators (Bank of Spain and Central Bank of Ireland) playing similar roles in their respective frameworks. Where Spain's approach does introduce distinctive elements is in its judicial oversight provisions for biometric systems. Spain has mandated court authorisation for real-time biometric identification in public spaces and pioneered a "right to disconnect" harmful AI systems. The Spanish legislation also establishes a detailed sanctioning regime with graduated penalties and creates anonymous reporting channels for potential violations. Spain has set specific dates for different aspects of regulation to take effect, beginning with prohibited systems in August 2025, followed by high-risk AI system oversight in 2026 and 2027. These hybrid models reflect a pragmatic approach to AI governance. Both countries recognise the need for centralised coordination while leveraging the established expertise of sectoral regulators. Rather than representing dramatically divergent paths, Spain and Ireland's implementation strategies demonstrate a convergence around a balanced regulatory model. Both countries are seeking to establish effective oversight while minimising disruption to innovation. As AI technologies continue evolving rapidly, these similar yet nuanced approaches will offer valuable insights into effective models for implementing the EU's pioneering AI regulation framework.

When I was teaching infodemic management at the WHO during the pandemic, we asked the CDC colleagues to discuss five communication failures that consistently derail public health efforts: - Mixed messages from multiple experts - Information released too late - Paternalistic messaging - Failing to counter rumors in real-time - Public-facing power struggles and confusion   In the US, all five are now happening at once.   Public trust in health institutions is unraveling. People are adapting by building decentralized, multi-source, often crowdsourced “trust ecosystems.”   This is what the New York Times comment section revealed after a recent article recommended credible health information sources. The comments were not fringe. They reflected skepticism, discernment, and a shift toward self-curated information strategies.   Readers reported: - Turning to Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Wikipedia, and NHS UK over US government sites. - Avoiding .gov domains due to perceived politicization. - Using AI cautiously, as a first filter, not a final word. - Proposing solutions like health site trust ratings, simplified printouts, and community-led education.   Public health needs to meet this moment. Not by restoring the old systems, but by fostering something new for health information search, access and use: - Transparent, independent curation - Tools for triangulation and critical analysis - Localized, multilingual resource hubs - Responsible AI-supported health navigation - Community-led health literacy models   Each of these comes with ethical, practical, and equity challenges.   We need to think big picture and hyper-local at the same time.   I don’t have all the answers. But I believe we need to build—together—a health information ecosystem for a fragmented, fractal, globalized, and crisis-prone world.

I’ve been reflecting on how we often consider future skills, digital transformation, or STEM careers without addressing a hard truth: socioeconomic disadvantage continues to block millions from accessing opportunity. And in the UK, that disadvantage is often as simple—and as serious—as a lack of internet. Here’s what that looks like: 📉 1.5 million UK homes are without internet access. For many students, this means no online homework, no virtual STEM clubs, and no exposure to the digital skills needed for tomorrow’s jobs. 🧪 STEM education is still uneven. Pupils from the most deprived areas are less likely to access advanced science and maths courses, and much less likely to pursue STEM careers. 🔌 Connectivity is key—and telecoms can help. A brilliant example? The National Databank, supported by Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation. It’s been called a “food bank for data,” offering free mobile data, texts, and calls to people who can’t afford connectivity. Many O2 stores across the UK now serve as data donation hubs—bringing digital access right into local communities. 🧠 The result? Students stay connected. Adults can retrain. Families can access services. And no one is locked out of opportunity because they can’t afford data. Tech and telecoms companies have a real role in levelling the playing field—not just in innovation, but in inclusion. 💬 What other examples have you seen of organisations using infrastructure for impact? Let’s build a future where no potential is wasted because of a postcode. #DigitalInclusion #NationalDatabank #STEMAccess #TechForGood #LevellingUp #UKTech #SocialMobility #Telecommunications #DigitalEquity #FutureOfWork #InclusionMatters

For millions in Northeastern Brazil, a lack of internet access isn't just a technical issue, it's a barrier to education and jobs in rural areas. But in working to overcome this barrier, we are also finding new opportunities to scale our community engagement. I recently met with the team at Brisanet Telecomunicações, this region's largest fiber-optic provider. Microsoft has been partnering with them since November 2022. Since then, we've worked together to strengthen network infrastructure to enable Fiber-to-the-Home, which brings high-speed internet directly to homes, and Fixed Wireless Access, which delivers wireless broadband to rural areas where laying cables is difficult. To date, Brisanet has brought 1 million people online, creating unprecedented opportunities for communities that were previously left behind. Three years in, we are on track to meet our shared goals to help these services take root across the community, empowering people to pursue jobs, advance their careers, and improve their overall wellbeing. And connectivity is proving to be the foundation for even more impact. Today, this partnership is a blueprint for integrated progress: helping rural farmers transition to clean energy and use this to also irrigate more sustainably during dry seasons. They are able to diversify crops with options like pitaya and acerola. Digital inclusion and climate action are deeply connected. When communities can access both connectivity and clean energy, they gain adaptability and the capacity to thrive in the face of global challenges. 🎥 Watch this video to learn more: 

Digital empowerment goes beyond just access to technology. It’s about creating equity in critical sectors like education, healthcare, finance, and employment, especially for marginalized communities, rural populations, and persons with disabilities (PwDs). To address these needs, tailored digital solutions are crucial, and public-private partnerships (PPP) will play a key role in shaping this transformation. 1️⃣ 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 & 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 Programs focused on digital literacy are the bedrock of empowering rural populations. The PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan), initiated by the Indian government, aims to enhance digital literacy in rural areas. As of 2024, over 5 crore people have been trained, highlighting the immense demand for digital literacy and skilling. Similiary, the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) has been at the forefront, with initiatives like eMitra centers in Rajasthan, where digitizing government services has not only simplified access but also saved community members time and travel costs. In Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, DEF’s program to train rural women in e-commerce skills has increased financial independence and profitability, enabling them to access broader markets. 2️⃣ 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 A critical component of digital empowerment is ensuring that technology serves local needs and is not merely consumer-driven. India’s vast rural terrain demands tailored solutions. Low-bandwidth apps and voice-enabled technology are making access to services more inclusive, especially in remote areas. Private companies like Jio have partnered with the government to extend internet connectivity, but more work is needed to bridge this connectivity gap. 3️⃣ 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 & 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Digital empowerment is also about giving marginalized communities the autonomy to make informed decisions. Persons with disabilities (PwDs) in cities like Jaipur are using voice-enabled apps to access telehealth services and government welfare schemes, thereby gaining greater control over their healthcare and livelihood. Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility initiative has also been instrumental in creating digital tools that cater to PwDs, enabling them to interact more seamlessly with technology. Empowering these communities to have decision-making rights and consent in digital platforms ensures that technology is not just an instrument of access but also an enabler of autonomy and inclusion. 4️⃣ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 & 𝐆𝐚𝐩𝐬 Despite the progress, there are significant challenges such as lack of Modern infrastructure, affordable devices, and quality internet access in rural areas persist. The Indian government’s Digital India initiative aims to address these gaps by establishing more research labs and digital villages.

Global Regulatory Trends for Digital Public Infrastructure... #DPI This Timely Report Explores ... ➟ How foundational DPI systems, such as digital identity, real-time payments and consent-based data sharing frameworks, are transforming financial ecosystems by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs and expanding access to financial services. ➟ Institutional case studies and direct engagements with central banks, regulators, technologists and policymakers, the report offers practical insights to help navigate the governance and regulatory implications of DPI at scale. ➟ Evidence from 113 jurisdictions that have adopted at least one core DPI component, with 56 implementing all 3, the report signals a global shift toward integrated DPI and digital financial services (DFS) infrastructure. ➟ Governance, security and interoperability challenges, requiring regulators to adapt and find new ways to balance innovation with oversight. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▣ Evolving DPI landscape Global case studies provide valuable insights into the diverse approaches by different jurisdictions as they begin to implement DPI. For example, India’s #UPI exemplifies a government and private sector-led model that has rapidly accelerated digital payments adoption, whereas Brazil’s #Pix system demonstrates how a regulator-driven but industry inclusive approach can achieve similar impact. Meanwhile, other jurisdictions have adopted hybrid models that balance public-private partnerships with regulatory oversight. ➟ Early empirical evidence shows that jurisdictions with all core components coincide with better outcomes across DFS indicators - 1. Increase in debit or credit card ownership 2. Digital payment usage. 3. Better access to credit, 4. Effective government support delivery 5. Increased financial resilience. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ➟ Concluding... What becomes clear from these experiences is that there is no single way to develop DPI. Instead, each jurisdiction should navigate its unique context, balancing trade-offs between innovation, control, protection, and market inclusivity. Since there is no single way to implement DPI, there is also no single way to govern DPI. Instead, governance models must be context-specific, evolving in response to each jurisdiction’s regulatory landscape, institutional capacities and market dynamics. ▣ Way forward Given these developments, the DPI principles of openness, interoperability and modularity present new opportunities for regulators to explore adapting their traditional approaches to oversight and potentially other regulatory functions ➟ Excellent Report - ‘Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital Financial Services: Convergence, Landscape and Regulatory Considerations’ was produced by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Source https://lnkd.in/dHJCJrXe

India just rolled out the world’s cheapest Wi-Fi starting at only ₹6. PM WANI Free WiFi Scheme is a turning point. Connectivity is not comfort anymore. It is survival. The Government has taken one of the strongest steps by enabling free and affordable WiFi access across the country through initiatives like PM WANI, BharatNet, and the National Broadband Mission. India has more than 1.4 billion people, and a large part still struggles for stable internet. Without access, talent cannot grow. Students lose chances. Small businesses stall. Dreams stay locked. This move can change that reality. Key impact areas that matter • Digital Inclusion Internet access now aims to reach both metros and remote regions. More than 2.7 lakh Gram Panchayats are already connected to high-speed broadband through BharatNet. This means study material, healthcare, banking and government services are becoming reachable for everyone. • Economic Growth PM WANI allows local shops, tea stalls and small businesses to become Public Data Offices without license fees. This gives them a new income stream and opens the digital market for rural and semi-urban areas. • Education and Skill Access Students preparing for competitive exams and online classes in small towns need stable connectivity. With plans to scale millions of public WiFi hotspots, learning will not depend on financial ability. • National Broadband Mission NBM 2.0 The target is a minimum of 100 Mbps internet speed across the country and fibre connectivity to lakhs of villages between 2025 and 2030. This upgrades the entire digital backbone. • Public WiFi Expansion RailTel already provides free WiFi at hundreds of railway stations. People can access 30 minutes of free internet daily and pay small amounts for more usage. Areas we must stay alert about Cybersecurity must be strong because public networks can be misused if protection is weak. Awareness must grow so people can use the internet safely. Infrastructure should not slow down, and policies must ensure sustainability for providers so projects do not collapse. The real opportunity This is a chance to create an equal field. Where a child in a village competes with a child in a metro. Where startups grow from small towns. Where skills build careers. Where connectivity becomes dignity. If delivered with commitment, PM WANI can become one of the most powerful decisions for the next decade. Because the real revolution is when opportunity reaches everyone. A connected citizen becomes an empowered citizen. An empowered citizen builds a stronger society.