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Google to help take India’s digital public infrastructure global
The so-called 'plug-and-play' readymade solution will help governments replicate India's digital identity framework in their nations
Google has announced an ambitious plan to help India export its digital public infrastructure (DPI) globally, thereby “sharing India’s digital success with the world.”
At its Google for India event, the search giant said it is is launching “DPI in a Box” with non-profit EkStep Foundation, backed by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, a
“plug-and-play” solution for other nations to build their own robust digital public infrastructure.
The readymade solution will help governments leverage open networks, identity and other digital public goods to replicate India’s digital identity framework in their nations.
India’s DPI includes Aadhaar, unified payments interface (UPI) for easy money transfers, and ONDC for e-commerce.
Designed for scale, these tools support millions and are offered free to assist other nations and enhance diplomatic ties, often featured in global summit communiqués.
At the event, Google announced its artificial intelligence (AI) offering, Gemini, will now be integrated into all its products and will support nine languages, starting with Hindi. Gemini will be hosted in India, enhancing data sovereignty and offering organizations increased control, the company said.
Google said it has also increased the number of loan providers available through Google Pay in India, including a new partnership with Muthoot Finance, which offers gold-backed loans.
Gold is a significant asset in India, commonly used as gifts and collateral. The tie-up aims to make gold-backed loans more accessible on Google Pay, especially to rural residents without bank accounts, providing them with a viable credit option. The initiative will help utilize dormant gold assets for future investments like education or business ventures.