It is increasingly challenging for policymakers and other stakeholders to appreciate the growing
complexity of the digital identity ecosystem, the technologies involved, and the broad implications of their deployment. This article seeks to help clarify
these current debates and controversies by highlighting some of the technological transformations that are underway in the sector. We trace the ongoing transitions from “Big ID” systems to self-sovereign identity (SSI) approaches and digital wallets to the recent emergence of super apps, analyzing the different geographies of these systems and their impacts on exclusion and power relations. We argue that all technologies are political, and digital identity technologies especially so. Despite recent moves to- wards decentralization couched in the rhetoric of individual empowerment, most systems continue to exhibit features of centralization and tend to reinforce existing institutional arrangements.
Explore latest publications
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By Caribou Digital
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By Caribou Digital
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By Caribou Digital
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Earth Observation for Public Health: Topical Overview
By Carlotta Maucher
Earth Observation / Satellite Imagery, Health
Earth Observation for Public Health: Topical Overview
Earth Observation / Satellite Imagery, Health
Policy Brief
By Carlotta Maucher
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By Carlotta Maucher
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Youth in Digital Africa: Our connections. Our choices. Our future.
By Caribou Digital
Digital Financial Services / Financial Inclusion, Education/Skills/Upskilling, Gender in a Digital Age, Inclusive Digital Business Models, Persons Living with Disabilities, Platform Economies and Livelihoods
Youth in Digital Africa: Our connections. Our choices. Our future.
Digital Financial Services / Financial Inclusion, Education/Skills/Upskilling, Gender in a Digital Age, Inclusive Digital Business Models, Persons Living with Disabilities, Platform Economies and Livelihoods
Research Report
By Caribou Digital
May 23, 2024
By Caribou Digital
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