Digital equity definition: what is it, and how does it help?

The expansion of new technologies has managed to combat many of the existing inequalities on our planet. However, this digital revolution has also generated new factors to worry about in digital ecosystems, such as digital equity or its absence in many cases. 

The digital equity definition has been coined recently due to these generated inequalities in the digital world. But what is digital equity, and why is it so necessary today? 

In the following paragraphs, we will answer these questions. We will begin by getting to know the definition of digital equity.

What is digital equity?

Digital equity ensures that all individuals have fair and equal access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the necessary skills to use them effectively. It is a critical concern in today’s digital age, as access to ICTs has become essential for many aspects of daily life, including work, education, communication, and access to public services. 

However, a digital divide prevents some individuals from having the same access to opportunities as those who have access to ICTs. This divide often is based on factors such as education, income, and location.

Digital equity aims to reduce this divide by promoting equal access to ICTs for all. This can include providing low-cost or free devices and internet access, training, and education programs to improve digital literacy, and creating accessible and inclusive digital content and services. 

Additionally, digital equity also includes understanding digital security and privacy, which is vital to ensure the safety of personal information and data, preventing hacking and malicious activities.

Digital equity is not only about access to technology but also about ensuring that everyone has the necessary skills and knowledge to use technology in a meaningful way. This can positively impact individuals and communities by providing access to information, services, and opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.

Why is digital equity important?

Ensuring digital equity is necessary in today’s world, where ICTs are advancing daily and by leaps and bounds. And it must be for the following reasons.

Access to opportunities

Access to ICTs is essential for people to find many opportunities in the current world, such as work, education, communication, and access to public services. Access to ICTs is necessary for many individuals to be included in these opportunities.

Economic development

Digital equity is essential for sustainable economic development. Access to ICTs is crucial to competitiveness and productivity in the global economy.

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Civic participation

Access to ICTs is also essential for active civic participation in political and social life. Without access to ICTs, many individuals are excluded from decision-making and the ability to influence public policies.

Human rights

Access to ICTs is a fundamental human right as it enables access to information, freedom of expression, and privacy. Without it, many people may see their freedoms curtailed.

Digital Divide

Digital equity is necessary to bridge the digital divide, affecting disadvantaged individuals and communities regarding access to technology, skills, and knowledge.

In summary, digital equity is essential to ensure that all individuals have fair and equal access to ICTs and the necessary skills to use them effectively, reducing the digital divide and promoting equal opportunities for all. It is also essential for sustainable economic development, active civic participation, and the respect of human rights.

Digital equity and inclusion: are they the same thing?

There is often a tendency to need clarification on the terms digital equity and digital inclusion, and although they are different, these two concepts are closely related.

Digital equity refers to the fair and equal access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status. It aims to reduce the digital divide and ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities to access and benefit from digital technologies.

Digital inclusion, on the other hand, refers to the active and conscious inclusion of all individuals in using ICTs. It aims to ensure that all individuals have the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding to use digital technologies and participate in the digital world effectively.

In short, equity is the fact, and inclusion is the tool that seeks to reach it.

Digital equity and security: what role does it play?

Digital security plays an important role in digital equity by ensuring that the technology is safe to use and that personal information and data are protected. Without digital security, individuals may be at risk of cyber attacks, identity theft, and other malicious activities that can harm them and prevent them from accessing and using digital technologies.

Digital security is also vital to support digital inclusion, as it ensures that all individuals have the confidence and trust to access, use and benefit from digital technologies without fear of harm or exploitation. Furthermore, digital security is also necessary to support human rights, such as freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information.

For this and many other reasons, your institution or company needs to use security tools that allow you to make your services safer, especially if you offer services or products related to the digital ecosystem.

Through tools such as SMOWL, proctoring ensures that online tests to evaluate knowledge and performance of functions are produced under quality premises.

Do you perform these certifications or tests in your institution or company? Ask us for a free SMOWL demo and discover how you can make your professional evaluations and certifications much more complete and secure.

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