As digital systems become more central to society, digital public infrastructure (DPI) is increasingly recognized as a core element of modern life. While typically seen in terms of service delivery and economic inclusion, this paper highlights DPI’s vital democratic role. Amid rising digital authoritarianism and global shifts, there is an urgent need to design and govern digital identity, payments and data systems to strengthen rights, the rule of law and participation.

Introducing the Democracy Stack approach, the paper emphasizes placing democratic values at the heart of digital infrastructure—considering information flows, civic engagement and protection of individual agency. Rather than prescribing a single solution, the framework encourages reflection across contexts and calls for safeguards, inclusive governance and user-centred design. It addresses risks such as cybersecurity and privacy threats and underlines the need to future-proof DPI against democratic decline.

By proposing new principles for democracy-enhancing DPI, the paper aims to inspire dialogue and support global efforts to build digital systems that uphold rights and reinforce democratic resilience.