World Bank Expert Proposed New Digital Standards
Tariq Malik has introduced exit test requirements for countries adopting international digital public infrastructure.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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World Bank expert Tariq Malik has proposed new standards for international digital public infrastructure to ensure nations retain control over their systems. The initiative follows systemic issues in Pakistan, where errors led to millions being purged from the electoral roll.
Why it matters
Malik argues that governance must scale alongside technology to prevent infrastructure from becoming a tool for government control. He emphasizes that systems must allow for error correction, making immutable ledgers like blockchain unsuitable for sensitive personal records.
Malawi successfully registered 9 million adults in 180 days using 4,500 registration officers at a cost of $52 million. This initiative provides a benchmark for digital identity efforts compared to the 2023 Pakistan registry failure.
The players
Tariq Malik
He is an expert at the World Bank who specializes in identity for development and was named one of 50 public figures influencing global digital public infrastructure.
World Bank
It is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low- and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
Apolitical
It is a global platform for government that provides resources and networking opportunities for public servants.
World Economic Forum
It is an international non-governmental organization based in Switzerland that promotes public-private cooperation.
The details
Malik advocates for an exit test that verifies if a recipient country can independently operate, audit, and replace its digital systems without needing original vendor permission. He also suggests implementing identity infrastructure that supports offline access and assisted routes for those without smartphones.
Timeline
Malawi lacked a functioning national identity registry until 2017.
In 2023, four million people were incorrectly struck off the electoral roll in Pakistan.
Tariq Malik offered his commentary on digital public infrastructure exports in October 2026.
Political Context
Malik uses the 2023 Pakistan electoral roll purge to highlight the dangers of rigid digital systems. These failures contrast with the successful registry project in Malawi, emphasizing the need for adaptable governance protocols.
Proposed standards for digital identity systems could fundamentally change how citizens interact with essential state services. If adopted, these measures aim to ensure that individuals have a path to correct errors in their records, preventing the exclusion issues seen in Pakistan.
The takeaway
The rapid digitization of national infrastructure requires robust exit strategies to ensure countries remain in control of their own data. Technology experts now prioritize systems that allow for human correction over immutable, automated processes.
Further reading
For additional context on how governments manage digital identity, see Civic Engagement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Biometric Update.
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