> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dpisafeguards.gitbook.io/resources-hub/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dpisafeguards.gitbook.io/resources-hub/learn-about-safeguards/about.md).

# Learn about Safeguards

If you are new to DPI safeguards, start here. This section explains what safeguards are, why they exist, and how the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework was developed.

{% hint style="info" %}
Looking for the tools to apply safeguards to a live implementation? Those are in [Implement Safeguards](https://dpisafeguards.gitbook.io/resources-hub/implement-safeguards).
{% endhint %}

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><h4><a href="/pages/8Km2lq5jZVoH6zt4bQST">Introduction to DPI Safeguards</a></h4><p>A short presentation covering what DPI safeguards are and why they matter. The best starting point if you are briefing someone new.</p></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><h4><a href="/pages/2luMg39tnzAmAKo4GjNu">The Framework Guide</a></h4><p>How to read and apply the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework, in English and Spanish.</p></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><h4><a href="/pages/pg7zdpR9OTRASbNJIF2f">Interim Report</a></h4><p>The public-comment draft from the Framework's development, showing how the thinking evolved.</p></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><h4><a href="/pages/J9CJKPtktmFo5xUPwRGm">Newsletter archive</a></h4><p>The DPI Safeguards Digest: initiative updates, learning and developments over time.</p></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Where safeguards came from

The Universal DPI Safeguards initiative was launched in September 2023 by the Office of the UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology and the United Nations Development Programme, following the Secretary-General's policy brief on the Global Digital Compact and its call for common frameworks for DPI.

The Pact for the Future and its annex, the Global Digital Compact, were adopted on 22 September 2024. In the compact, Member States recognised the potential of DPI for inclusive digital transformation and the Sustainable Development Goals, and recognised equally that this potential is tempered by risk, and so requires adaptable safeguards.

The Framework that resulted reflects what it takes for DPI implementations to mitigate new risks and existing structural vulnerabilities, at both individual and societal level.


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