Digital Inequalities

Abstract

Global attention focuses primarily on the benefits that new digital technologies can offer people across the world, especially on their contribution to economic growth. It has become increasingly evident, however, that these technologies have also been associated with a dramatic increase in inequalities at every scale. While the rich and powerful can benefit from the latest technologies, the poorest and most marginalized, without access or the ability to use them, are left further behind. Those with disabilities, women and girls, street children, refugees, and those living in isolated areas can indeed all be empowered through such technologies, but only if explicit focus is placed on this agenda. Researchers have identified seven things necessary to turn back the tide of digital inequality: a refocusing of attention by governments, the private sector, and civil society on the poorest and most marginalized; technological innovation in the interests of, and with, the poorest; a rebalancing of power in the interests of elected governments rather than the private sector so that citizens can be more empowered; enhanced understanding of the role of effective partnerships; greater awareness of the dark side of digital technologies and security issues; greater systemic understanding and ethical interpretation across society of the potential uses of digital technologies; and realization that building the technologies is actually the easy part.