“Financial inclusion” seems to be the buzzword that proponents of digital IDs, payments, and data exchange have picked for their PR sloganeering in favor of something that is, objectively, very controversial.
And where better to “test” something of that kind than among those who due to their economic circumstances don’t have much of a say – like a number of African countries.
But don’t expect those behind the effort, juggernauts like Mastercard or the (Bill) Gates Foundation, to ever spell it out in those stark terms. After all, it’s genuine concern for other humans, equity, equality, and kindness that’s been behind the billions, if not trillions of dollars they have amassed thus far, right?
Clearly not.
But what are they up to now?
“Stakeholders” they call themselves – self-appointed though, and their goal – other than, ostensibly, to keep the “global south” in check – is to make sure that digital public infrastructure projects, “including digital IDs,” get as much traction as possible in developing countries (first).
Both Mastercard, and the Gates Foundation, are telling us this is part and parcel of their selfless global fight against poverty and other ills plaguing humankind.
Their resume, though, these last couple of years/decades, does speak for itself – specifically, otherwise.
Right now, Mastercard, that little person’s best friend /s, has come up with something called Community Pass. “Farm Pass” – apparently a “sub-project,” is another term being thrown around.
Reports say it’s “a platform for digital IDs aimed at individuals such as business owners and farmers.”
And wouldn’t you know it, it’s one that happens to focus on African countries.
Hellbound and Down 