Estonia: The Geo-Political and Media Freedom Challenges in a Time of Turbulence and Uncertainty

This report, produced by a team of graduate students from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, Law School, and School of Journalism, explores Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Estonia. The DPI implementation toolkit surveys existing frameworks, outlines technical models, and identifies challenges in advancing inclusive, locally grounded digital systems. It focuses on core components—digital identity, payments, and data exchange—while emphasizing opportunities for international cooperation and knowledge sharing. Drawing from interviews with experts from Estonian public institutions, international organizations, and the Global South, the toolkit supports Estonia’s priorities as the 2025 Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition, particularly in promoting rights-respecting DPI and digital inclusion.