Panel Discussion Beginner

From DPI to People’s Digital Infrastructure: Reclaiming Digital Infrastructures for Democratic Accountability

Approved

Session Description

Objective

To explore how the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) community can work alongside social movements, peoples campaigns and networks working with unorganised workers, the poor and the historically marginalised to enhance peoples’ rights to a more just and dignified economic order. While this process entails the necessary constructing and rebuilding of modes which enables political participation of people beyond voting, there is a clear need for such modes and platforms to be complemented by digital infrastructures which are built to serve the goals of transparency towards the people and accountability of the powerful. The discussion aims to introduce the need for such a peoples’ digital infrastructure, and identify opportunities for demonstration of alternatives to move the conversation from conception to practice.

The discussion will explore:

When and how should digital infrastructures be designed when transparency for and accountability towards the poorest and the most marginalised is the starting point
What distinguishes a People’s Digital Infrastructure from Digital Public Infrastructure? What are the governing principles of such a Peoples’ Digital Infrastructure?
India has emerged as a global leader in building Digital Public Infrastructure, while vast numbers of the poor, elderly and the working class suffer exclusion, erasure, opacity and diminishing control over their rights and resources through them. Who were these infrastructures designed by and for what purpose? And who is accountable for the loss of lives, livelihoods and dignity that the imposition of such infrastructures has resulted in?
How can FOSS communities collaborate with workers’ organisations, RTI campaigns, social audit institutions and citizen groups to co-create digital public goods that decentre power and make the powerful answerable to the people
What breakthroughs have taken place for such transitions and what practical opportunities exist today—from gig worker rights and public information systems to social audits and participatory urban planning?