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Imagine a world where some people are constantly connected, with lightning-fast internet and the latest gadgets, while others struggle to get a basic signal or afford a simple smartphone. That’s the reality of the digital divide which is rooted in socio-economic disparities, geographical isolation and limited digital literacy.

Despite significant advancements in digital infrastructure and technology, this situation poses a growing challenge to European cohesion, economic growth and overall quality of life. This divide isn’t just about technology; it’s about opportunities, inclusion, and quality of life.

The digital divide is like a chasm between those who have easy access to the digital world and those who don’t. It’s not just about having an internet connection; it’s about having the skills to use it effectively and the opportunity to engage with it meaningfully.

The most obvious part is of course, access. If you don’t have a reliable internet connection or a device to use on it, you’re on the wrong side of the divide.

But having access is one thing, and knowing how to use it is another. Digital literacy is therefore crucial, and not everyone has it.

However, even with access and skills, how you use the internet matters. Some people might just use it for basic tasks like email and social media, while others are running businesses, e-commerce, learning new skills, or even creating the next big thing.

| ROOTS AND CAUSES

So, what is causing this divide? The following are the five main factors according to experts in this field:

• Geographic disparities: Urban areas generally tend to have better digital infrastructure than rural regions. This fact is particularly felt in Eastern and Southern Europe, where rural communities often lack a decent internet access.
• Socio-Economic factors: Money matters very much, and lower-income households often can’t afford to buy the latest devices or pay for broadband subscriptions.
• Educational levels: People with higher levels of education are more likely to have the digital skills necessary, while those with lower educational levels may struggle.
• Age: Older adults are less likely to be digitally savvy because of a lack of exposure to digital technology during their formative years, as well as a reluctance to adopt new technologies.
• Gender: While the gender gap is closing, women are still less likely to have access to the internet and digital technologies in some regions of Europe.

The digital divide isn’t just about who can send an email or post on social media; it has real and tangible impacts on individuals, communities and nations.

Lack of digital access and skills can seriously limit economic opportunities, so that people without digital literacy may struggle to find employment in an increasingly digital job market, and companies and businesses in poorly-connected areas may face difficulties competing with those in better-connected regions.

As for social inclusion, the digital divide can exacerbate social inequalities so that those without access to digital technologies may be excluded from online services, social networks and educational opportunities. This results in feeling isolated and marginalised.

In the field of health care, digital health services such as telemedicine have become game-changers, especially in rural areas. But those without digital access may miss out on vital medical services.

In education, with more and more learning happening online, students without access to the internet, devices or the necessary skills may find it difficult to keep up with their peers.

And then, there is the important concept of democratic participation where digital technologies can facilitate civic engagement and democratic participation. But those without digital access may be excluded from online debates and decision-making processes.

| CASE STUDIES OF SOME EUROPEAN REGIONS AND POLICY INITIATIVES

Let’s first look at Eastern Europe. Countries such as Romania and Bulgaria face significant challenges in terms of digital access and skills. Rural areas in these countries often lack high-speed internet and digital literacy levels are relatively low. Efforts to bridge the digital divide in these regions include government initiatives to improve broadband infrastructure and educational programmes to enhance digital skills.

As far as Southern Europe is concerned, in countries like Greece and Italy, the digital divide is influenced by economic factors. The economic crisis in these countries has led to a reduction in public investment in digital infrastructure, further widening the divide. Furthermore, older adults in these regions are less likely to have digital skills, which only exacerbate the divide.

Lastly, Northern European countries such as Sweden and Finland are generally well-connected and have high levels of digital literacy. But even in these advanced digital societies, there are some disparities; rural areas and older adults may still face challenges in accessing and using digital technologies.

But as a general rule, governments, international organisations and private sector entities are implementing various initiatives to address the digital divide in Europe. These can be roughly divided into five distinct categories or areas of focus:

Infrastructure development: Investing in better digital infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas is crucial. The European Union’s Connecting Europe Broadband Fund (CEBF) aims to support the deployment of high-speed broadband networks in underserved areas. This Luxembourg-based investment company was created to help implement the European Commission’s Gigabit Society targets, which are a set of connectivity goals aimed at ensuring that Europe has the high-speed internet infrastructure necessary to support a digital society and economy by 2025.

The main targets include ‘Gigabit Connectivity’ where all European households should have access to networks offering download speeds of at least 1 Gigabit per second, and ‘5G coverage’, where all urban areas and major terrestrial transport paths should have uninterrupted 5G coverage.

These targets were set to support the increasing demand for high-speed internet, the growth of digital services, and the development of new technologies such as the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT), cloud computing and artificial intelligence. These all aim to bridge the European digital divide.

Digital skills training: Programmes to enhance digital literacy are essential for ensuring that individuals can effectively use digital technologies. The European Union’s ‘Digital Education Action Plan’ focuses on promoting digital skills and competencies among students and teachers.

This strategic initiative is aimed at supporting the use of technology and digital competences in education. It was first adopted in 2018 and was updated in 2021 to cover the period until 2027. The plan focuses on two strategic priorities: firstly, fostering the development of a high-performing digital education ecosystem, and secondly, enhancing digital skills and competences for the digital transformation.

The overall goal of the Digital Education Action Plan is to ensure that Europe’s education and training systems are fit for the digital age, equipping citizens with the digital skills they need to thrive, and driving innovation in teaching and learning.

Affordable access: Making digital technologies and internet access more affordable can help, and subsidised broadband and low-cost devices can make a big difference.

Public-Private partnerships: Collaboration between governments and private companies can accelerate efforts to bridge the divide.

Regulatory frameworks: Effective regulations can promote competition and innovation, leading to better access and affordability. The European Union’s Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy, adopted by the European Commission in 2015 is an initiative aimed at creating a seamless digital marketplace across the EU, with the primary goal of breaking down regulatory barriers and enabling the free movement of persons, services and capital, as well as the free flow of data within the EU.

The DSM strategy is designed to enhance Europe’s competitiveness, stimulate innovation, and create jobs, while also providing better services and protections for consumers. It involves a range of legislative and non-legislative initiatives, as well as coordination among EU member states.

| FULL SPEED AHEAD

In June 2022, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached an agreement on the “2030 Policy Programme: Path to the Digital Decade”. This agreement marked a significant step forward in establishing a comprehensive strategy to guide Europe’s digital transformation over the coming decade. The policy programme aims to ensure that Europe becomes a global leader in digital technologies by 2030, fostering innovation, economic growth and social inclusivity.

On 15 December 2022, a monumental step was taken towards a digital future that truly puts people at the centre. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, together with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and the Czech Prime Minister, Petr Fiala, representing the rotating Council Presidency, signed the ground-breaking European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles.

Born from the Commission’s January 2022 vision, this Declaration is more than just a document — it is a promise. A promise to drive a digital transformation that is safe, secure and sustainable. A promise to uphold the EU’s fundamental values and rights in the digital age.

This is not just a step forward, but a leap into a future where technology serves people and people are at the centre of innovation.

The 2030 Policy Programme focuses on advancing skills and infrastructure, such as internet connectivity, digitising businesses, and putting public services online. It also emphasises upholding the EU’s digital rights and principles in achieving the general objectives.

Margrethe Vestager, the Executive Vice-President for ‘A Europe Fit for the Digital Age’ said: “The Digital Decade is about making digital technology work for people and businesses. It is about enabling everyone to have the skills to participate in the digital society. To be empowered. It is about empowering businesses. It is about the infrastructure that keeps us connected. It is about bringing government services closer to citizens. Europe’s digital transformation will give opportunities for everyone.”

Commenting on the same subject, the European Commissioner for the Internal Market added: “The Digital Decade policy programme is the way towards a more innovative, inclusive and sustainable future for Europe. Unlocking the potentials of the digital transformation, specifically by setting up and implementing multi-country projects, will pave the way for a competitive and sovereign Europe. We have to swiftly embark on the Path to the Digital Decade to make sure Europe is ready for the challenges in an evolving and inter-connected world.”

In order to keep tabs on progress, key performance indicators, derived from an improved Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) will be used. Overall progress will be assessed against established trajectories and derailed in an annual ‘State of the Digital Decade’ report which will be submitted to the European Parliament and Council.

| ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: GOOD OR BAD?

Artificial Intelligence (AI), meaning the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans, encompasses a wide range of technologies, from simple chatbots to complex neural networks that can perform tasks like recognising speech, translating languages, and even driving cars.

AI has a significant impact on the digital divide, both in Europe and globally. While it has the potential to bridge some gaps, it also risks exacerbating existing inequalities and creating new divides. When considering AI, various factors and perspectives must be taken into account, rather than adopting a one-sided view.

Clearly, AI has had a number of positive impacts on the digital divide. Among these, some of the most important are improved accessibility. AI has certainly made digital technologies more accessible to individuals with disabilities through applications such as voice assistants, text-to-speech technologies and AI-powered translation tools that can help people with visual, auditory or cognitive impairments access digital content more easily.

AI offers enhanced educational opportunities due to tools such as personalised learning platforms and intelligent tutoring systems that can provide tailored educational experiences. These tools can be particularly beneficial for students in underserved areas, offering them access to high-quality educational resources.

In the medical field, telemedicine and AI diagnostics make healthcare more accessible, especially in remote and rural areas. AI also optimises resources by helping governments and organisations allocate them more efficiently for digital infrastructure; this is like having a smart GPS for investment needs!

And then, there is the important skill-building aspect, where AI-powered training programmes and online courses help people develop digital skills and compete better in the job market, no matter where they live.

While technological breakthroughs often bring significant advances and benefits, it’s important to recognise that they also bring challenges and negative impacts. These can range from unintended consequences to ethical dilemmas and societal changes. For example, progress can lead to job displacement due to automation, privacy concerns over data collection or environmental issues related to resource depletion and e-waste. In addition, rapid technological change can exacerbate social inequalities and create a digital divide between those who have access to new technologies and those who don’t.

Last but not least, online privacy can be of real concern. AI systems often rely on large amounts of personal data, raising significant concerns about data privacy and security, especially for individuals in underserved areas who may lack the resources to protect their data.

So, AI has the potential to both bridge and widen the digital divide. It is therefore important that innovation is used wisely to minimise potential harm and ensure that the benefits are shared fairly.

The digital divide is not an insurmountable challenge. With the right policies and a multi-faceted approach that combines infrastructure investment, digital literacy education and targeted policy interventions, Europe can strive towards a more digitally inclusive society that leaves no one behind.