Digital Public Infrastructure

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a set of shared digital systems that provides foundational capabilities, such as identity, payments or trusted data exchange, for multiple public and private services. It combines reusable digital rails, enabling rules and participating institutions to deliver services at societal scale; unlike a proprietary platform, it is oriented towards interoperable access and public value rather than control by a single platform owner.

Architecture and interoperability

DPI functions as an ecosystem rather than as a single application or a vertically controlled platform.

• It provides foundational, reusable building blocks instead of creating separate technology systems for every service.
• Interoperability through open standards, specifications and APIs allows different platforms and providers to communicate while reducing dependence on closed systems.
• A modular design permits individual components to be upgraded or extended without replacing the entire infrastructure.
• Its systems must be scalable, reliable and resilient because many services and users may depend on them.

Public value and inclusion

The public character of DPI comes from broad accessibility and public value, not necessarily from exclusive government ownership or operation. Proprietary platforms typically serve the platform owner's commercial objectives and may restrict participation through owner-defined terms or closed interfaces.

• DPI should provide equitable access and avoid exclusion based on income, location, gender, disability or limited digital literacy.
• User-centric design, assisted access and accessible interfaces help bridge the digital divide.
• Common infrastructure lowers duplication and transaction costs, enabling diverse providers to build services over the same rails.

Governance, trust and competition

DPI is supported by legal, institutional and operational arrangements defining rights, responsibilities and accountability. Unlike a proprietary platform whose owner generally controls interfaces and participation, DPI seeks transparent and non-discriminatory ecosystem governance.

• Privacy and security by design, informed consent where relevant, and safeguards against misuse are essential for public trust.
• Transparent governance, auditability and grievance-redress mechanisms make participating institutions accountable.
• A clear and non-discriminatory framework can enable innovation and competition by allowing governments, businesses and civil society to create complementary services.