Ethical And Inclusive Data Governance: A Cornerstone For Transforming Public Services In The Digital Era

Developing and deploying effective Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) hinges on robust, inclusive, and ethical data governance. This policy brief delves into the critical role of ethical and inclusive data governance in shaping DPIs and goes further to explore the potential benefits of open access to data generated by DPIs, drawing insights from the experiences of India and Brazil. Ethical data governance involves safeguarding privacy, ensuring transparency, and fostering accountability in collecting and using data. Inclusivity in data governance becomes imperative to mitigate biases and ensure equitable access to digital services, considering diverse perspectives and minimizing discrimination. Additionally, recognizing the foundational role of output data from DPISs, it is crucial to frame this data as a public good and establish governance mechanisms for its optimal utilization while rights are respected and people are protected from harm, such as discriminatory practices. Accessible and transparent use of DPI-generated data enables informed decision- making and can foster an engaged and participatory citizenry and market. Researchers and innovators can leverage this data to develop solutions addressing societal challenges and to create new applications, emphasizing the collective nature of this data and the equitable distribution of benefits derived from DPI-generated data. This abstract contends that ethical and inclusive data governance, both for input and output data, protects individual rights and enhances the effectiveness and legitimacy of DPIs while supporting innovation. It sets a foundation for establishing trust between various stakeholders – a crucial element for the successful adoption and sustainability of digital services. It underlines the significance of cross-sector collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and public participation in crafting policies that prioritize ethical considerations and inclusivity, ensuring a responsible and inclusive digital future.