Text Digital Divide written with the old typewriter on white sheet
As the world becomes increasingly digital, the concept of the “digital divide” has become more relevant than ever. This term refers to the disparity between those who have access to technology and those who do not. This divide can have significant impact on people’s lives, particularly when it comes to accessing important information and opportunities.
For those living in affluent areas where broadband internet service is a given, discussion revolves around leveraging emerging tools such as ChatGPT to enhance productivity and attempts to limit screen time. In areas saturated by digital technologies and connectivity, human contact may now be perceived as a “luxury good” where those who can afford it will opt-out of their data and their attention being sold as a product.
For others, however, the inability to use the internet pushes access to many services out of reach. A report on the US digital divide reveals large variation amongst US states in regard to accessibility to internet services, digital adoption and usage. Access to telehealth, online banking and remote education services is hindered by the lack of digital access, which further compounds inequities and historical injustices. For example, the report found that nearly half of Americans without at-home internet were in Black and Hispanic households.
While investing in internet infrastructure is essential to bridge this divide, infrastructure alone does not necessarily translate into digital adoption and beneficial use. Here technology companies have the potential to put their power to good use. From mobile banking applications that give the unbanked access to financial resources and web applications that help people connect globally, technology companies can play a role to foster digital inclusion. The latest results from the World Benchmarking Alliance’s (WBA) Digital Inclusion Benchmark, however, show that less than 14% of the world’s major technology companies deliver on digital inclusion.
After assessing 200 tech companies from around the world, looking at whether they are enabling greater access to digital technologies, improving digital skills, reducing usage risks, and ensuring inclusive and ethical innovation, the WBA findings show that only 27 out of 200 businesses achieved a score of at least 50% on key criteria.
“It’s not enough to just look at access or potential access to the internet,” explains Pauliina Murphy, World Benchmarking Alliance’s Engagement & Communications Director. “Companies need to look at the holistic picture of what it takes to be digitally inclusive.”
The best performing companies across the benchmark were Telefonica, Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Apple and Microsoft who all demonstrated a clear commitment to data privacy and child protection. They disclose what they are doing, conduct impact assessments to understand the risks, and try to fill the gaps by implementing skills programs for women and girls, for example. In short, “companies that demonstrate a clear commitment to protect human rights, respect decent work and act ethically are better at digital inclusion.
“Voluntary disclosure on social performance is a good starting point for many companies looking to become more digitally inclusive,” explains Murphy. Disclosure enables companies to engage with stakeholders, such as investors, employees and customers, to identify relevant issues that the company can focus on and make impact. At the same time, companies should take extra consideration to engage and listen to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations in developing countries, who currently have the least access to digital.
Bridging the digital divide requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to address the practical barriers to access, while also examining the broader cultural and societal factors that contribute to the divide. By taking a more holistic approach, there is a possibility to create a more digitally equitable and inclusive society.