Digital inclusion
Digital inclusion, the key to an equal future
The democratisation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), which facilitate access to thousands of informational, professional and leisure opportunities, is fundamental in today’s society and their use should be independent of each person’s circumstances. The aim of digital inclusion is to ensure that, for example, older people or those with lower incomes or motor, intellectual or audiovisual disabilities are not left behind in a world offering endless possibilities.
The digital divide separates people who have access to the internet from those who do not. Taking this technological, cultural and social divide into account is especially relevant in a world where digital and interconnected technologies are becoming increasingly important. Globally, it is estimated that six billion people – approximately three-quarters of the world’s population – have internet access, according to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Facts and Figures 2025
External link, opens in new window. report. Growth is even more evident compared to an estimated 5.8 billion online users in 2024. Despite the continued expansion of digital connectivity, 2.2 billion people remain offline.
In this context, the democratisation of ICT and the internet becomes especially relevant in promoting access and inclusion for people who are outside the digital environment.
What is digital inclusion and what are the main digital barriers?
According to the European Commission, digital inclusion means ensuring that all people can contribute to, and benefit from, the digital economy and society. The goal is to prevent anyone from being left behind in the digital era, enabling everyone to access information, services and opportunities through access to technology.
Democratising this access and therefore promoting digital inclusion involves working across several areas:
- Access to ICT, guaranteeing infrastructure, affordable prices and ease of use.
- Assistive technologies, which facilitate access for people with disabilities who would otherwise be unable to use them.
- Digital literacy, ncluding ICT training in basic education and lifelong learning.
- Social inclusion, focusing on the most disadvantaged sectors of society through specific programmes that help them join the digital world.
The digital divide not only separates people who have internet access from those who do not. There are other obstacles preventing parts of the population from becoming digital citizens:
- Lack of skills due to not having the necessary training to use the internet and online services.
- Lack of confidence, partly caused by the lack of skills, which makes some people afraid to engage with the internet.
- Lack of motivation, as many people do not access the internet because they are unaware of the opportunities it offers.
- Poor design, because not all digital services and products are accessible and easy to use.
The most vulnerable sectors of society are those that suffer most from the digital divide. Although there are variations between countries, it tends to affect women, older people, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, rural and indigeous populations and those of lower socioeconomic status to a greater extent, according to the United Nations (UN).External link, opens in new window.
Digital inclusion objectives
Tim Berners-Lee, known as the father of the World Wide Web, said that it was created for "everyone". Certain challenges must be overcome in order to make this digital inclusion a reality:
Accessibility
One of the barriers to inclusion is access for people with disabilities, for example, visual or hearing disabilities. Accessibility is about adapting devices and content to remove these barriers.
Affordability
The cost of internet access is too high for many people on low incomes. In the European Union (EU), for example, there is the provision of universal access, which ensures that at least one provider in each country provides service at an affordable price.
Digital skills
Ensuring access to the internet is important, but if people do not have the right training and digital skills to take advantage of it, the gap remains. This is particularly important for older people.
Relevant content and services
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers that relevant local content in certain minority languages and services useful to citizens are an essential part of digital inclusion.
Benefits of digital inclusion
Access to the Internet and its associated services has a positive influence on the development of societies, from economic growth to empowering disadvantaged individuals and communities. Being a digital citizen in today's world has many advantages:
More job opportunities
In a connected world, digital profiles such as programmers and data analysts are in high demand. Access to networking platforms also makes it easier to get a job or fund a project.
More educational opportunities
Internet access opens up a universe of possibilities for training, from nanogrades, mostly online courses focused on digital skills, to mobile learning, which enables people to learn from a smartphone, or access to educational video games, among others.
More leisure alternatives
Cinema, series, music and other cultural and entertainment events are much more accessible thanks to the internet, something that has a positive influence from a social and educational point of view.
Better use of time
The use of digital services allows for better time management, resulting in increased productivity as many tasks can be performed remotely and with greater speed.
Greater access to information
Access to digital media and shared content repositories, such as Wikipedia, contributes to better citizen education and enriches a country's social and political life.
Increased protection against digital crime
Digital literacy provides greater knowledge of the internet environment and makes people less likely to fall victim to internet scams such as phishing.
Initiatives and solutions for digital inclusion
Several international organisations are working to reduce the digital divide and promote inclusion:
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The UN is promoting the Global Digital Compact, adopted within the framework of the “Pact for the Future”, to foster an open, secure and inclusive digital environment. Its goals include expanding universal internet access, strengthening digital capabilities, protecting human rights online and reducing digital inequalities between countries and vulnerable groups. The pact places particular emphasis on women, rural populations, older people, migrants and people with disabilities. The UN also has its Our Common Agenda strategy, which proposes global digital cooperation based on digital public goods, open software and inclusive governance.
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UNESCO runs initiatives around the world to improve participation in digital society, especially in services such as healthcare and environmental conservation. It has programmes to strengthen digital skills in educational settings, such as FutureProof Education
External link, opens in new window. , a project designed to promote the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools, as well as specific initiatives to integrate AI in regions such as AfricaExternal link, opens in new window. . It also organises Digital Learning WeekExternal link, opens in new window. to explore the possibilities of digital education, promote outreach and collaboration, and ensure digital inclusion. - Different European Union bodies are promoting digital inclusion projects through several approaches: web accessibility, digital skills and the removal of language barriers. They also run initiatives such as WiFi4EUExternal link, opens in new window. to provide free Wi-Fi connectivity in public spaces, along with other programmes designed to improve connectivity, especially in rural and remote areas.