Closing the Digital Divide: Digital Inclusion vs. Exclusion

Understanding digital exclusion

Discover how digital exclusion impacts millions worldwide, from restricting access to vital services to limiting economic opportunities. Learn about the global efforts to bridge the digital divide, key strategies for fostering digital inclusion and the role governments and organisations play in driving change to create a more connected future.

Digital exclusion remains a significant challenge in today’s increasingly digital society, with more than 24 percent of UK adults and over 12 percent of the US population affected. This divide has created barriers for those lacking basic digital skills, leaving them disconnected from essential services, education and economic opportunities. While technology continues to advance at pace, millions are left behind, unable to participate or integrate fully in the digital world.

Digital inclusion vs exclusion: definitions 

As our reliance on technology grows, the concepts of digital inclusion and digital exclusion are more important than ever. 

Digital inclusion refers to the efforts and strategies that ensure all individuals and communities, particularly the most disadvantaged, have access to the digital tools, resources and skills they need. This includes access to the internet, digital devices and the skills to use them effectively. 

On the other hand, digital exclusion is the inability or lack of opportunity to engage with these resources. It affects millions of people globally, creating a digital divide that leaves those without access disconnected from education, job opportunities, healthcare and essential services.

When talking about disparities in this context, this refers to the unequal access to digital tools and skills between different socioeconomic, age, or geographic groups. These disparities create gaps in opportunity, which can increase existing inequalities in areas such as education and employment.

Digital inclusion vs exclusion: overview

• Addressing the divide: global scope of digital exclusion
• The social impact of digital exclusion
• Bridging the gap: steps towards digital inclusion
• The role of government in driving digital inclusion
• Innovative solutions to close the digital divide

Addressing the divide: the global scope of digital exclusion

In June 2023, the UK House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee published a report detailing the economic and social impacts of digital exclusion. One of its critical findings was the lack of basic digital skills among people, particularly those struggling to afford internet access amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

The problem of digital exclusion extends beyond the UK. A 2021 study by Broadband Now revealed that more than 42 million Americans do not have broadband access, leaving 12 percent of the US population digitally marooned. Without adequate access to the internet, millions are cut off from vital services, employment opportunities and educational resources.

The social impact of digital exclusion

Digital exclusion does not just create gaps in connectivity—it results in isolation, economic challenges and increased disparities. For those without access to basic digital rights, the risks of social isolation and unemployment increase dramatically. As the IEEE points out, this divide heightens tensions between those with access and those without.

The Good Things Foundation has long been at the forefront of research and action to close the digital divide since being established in 2006. Their recent report on digital inclusion highlights some alarming statistics:

• 8 percent of households struggle to afford broadband.
• 14 percent of young people aged 8-25 lack access to the right technology for education.
• 16 percent of adults (over 8.5 million to be exact) lack basic digital skills.

In previous Studio roundtables debates, Freddie Quek, the former CTO at Times Higher Education and Allan Walters, Interim IT Director at Pinnacle Group, have also emphasised how the digital divide impacts the workforce, particularly in the context of intergenerational dynamics. Younger generations, typically more adept with technology, often outpace older workers, many of whom lack confidence in using emerging digital tools. This has shifted the balance of power, creating additional barriers for older employees.

Bridging the gap: steps towards digital inclusion

Earlier this year, HotTopics and the Good Things Foundation, the leading UK-based digital inclusion charity, announced a new charity partnership. Their goal is to close the digital divide, ensuring that no one is left behind.

So, how can we address this growing divide? The Good Things Foundation outlines three critical components to achieving digital inclusion:

1. Access to devices
2. Reliable internet connectivity
3. Essential digital skills

To support these goals, the Good Things Foundation provides services to remove barriers and empower individuals without the confidence or experience to engage online. However, charity efforts alone are not enough - fixing digital exclusion requires joined-up thinking and action.

The role of government in driving digital inclusion

Government policies are crucial to accelerating the process of digital inclusion. The House of Lords report stresses the urgent need for a refreshed strategy to tackle digital exclusion. One key proposal was to "boost digital inclusion hubs" across local communities. The report also predicted that without any significant intervention, around five million workers in the UK will lack basic digital skills by 2030. If that is not sobering enough, the current shortage of digital skills is already costing the UK more than £63 billion annually.

Helen Milner OBE, CEO of the Good Things Foundation and a key witness during the Communications and Digital Committee meeting, echoed these concerns, expressing frustration that the UK government has not updated its digital inclusion strategy since 2014. She emphasised that without strong leadership and a clear plan, the digital divide will only widen.

Innovative solutions to close the digital divide

To combat this, the Good Things Foundation has devised a "new social infrastructure" to support digital inclusion efforts:

• The National Digital Inclusion Network: A network of over 5,000 digital hubs working to bridge the digital divide in local communities.
• The National Databank: Provides free mobile data and SIMs to those without internet access.
• The National Device Bank: Distributes laptops, phones, and other devices to individuals without access to digital tools.

Upcoming initiatives and campaigns

This is just a fraction of some of the initiatives charities around the UK are organising to close the digital divide. We will soon be approaching the UK’s largest digital inclusion campaign—Get Online Week, held from October 14-20th. In a unified effort to fix the digital divide, HotTopics is joining the Good Things Foundation to help more than 25,000 digitally excluded people get online. You can read more about our partnership here.