Bridging the gap: Accessible information for all

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This article is a part of the essay series: “The Freedom to Know: International Day for Universal Access to Information 2024” 

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The digital divide refers to the inequalities between the people who have adequate access to Information Communication Technology (ICT) and those who do not. This gap embodies various elements including meaningful connectivity, quality of access, speed and reliability of internet connectivity, affordability, access to devices, digital skills and literacy, and access to relevant content. The divide has implications for several aspects of society including access to education, public services, employment opportunities, health, mobility, safety, and financial inclusion.

On this International Day for Universal Access to Information, the piece aims to assess the impact of the digital divide on access to information and recommends steps that can minimise the harms caused by the digital divide.

Digital divide and information poverty

The digital divide is a major barrier to accessing information. Without proper connectivity and essential skills, the digital have-nots are unable to access valuable information, exacerbating social and economic inequalities. The digital divide amplifies information poverty i.e. state where individuals or communities lack the capabilities and skills needed to obtain access to information or to apply it appropriately.

Without proper connectivity and essential skills, the digital have-nots are unable to access valuable information, exacerbating social and economic inequalities.

The increasing digitalisation of societies and the incorporation of ICT in every aspect of society and governance affect an individual’s ability to seek and receive information, thereby creating barriers to accessing information. These barriers are especially relevant in events such as elections or emergencies such as COVID-19 where access to information becomes crucial for survival. Access to information promptly allows individuals and organisations to make informed choices that can impact decision-making.

Accurate and reliable information promotes transparency and accountability, thereby promoting justice and social change. By publishing information online, governments can enhance trust in public institutions and increase citizens’ participation in decision-making processes. Publishing COVID-19 data, health advisory, and vaccine availability helped build public confidence during the pandemic. Thus, allowing access to information can help build a well-informed and empowered public. However, such efforts are only meaningful if the citizens can participate effectively in the process.

Allowing access to information can help build a well-informed and empowered public. However, such efforts are only meaningful if the citizens can participate effectively in the process.

Reducing digital information poverty

The following measures can be adopted to ensure that the digital divide does not hamper access to information:

• Content in vernacular languages: Language of content is a key factor that can impact an individual’s access to information. Often content on websites is available only in English, excluding individuals that do not know the language. Offering such content in vernacular languages can improve accessibility. Further, efforts must be made to ensure that the content reflects the needs of the diverse communities.
• Digital literacy programmes: Digital skilling programmes can equip individuals to effectively navigate and utilise online resources improving their access to online information
• Awareness campaigns: Amplified efforts must be taken to highlight the importance of access to information, and citizens must be informed of their rights under the laws on Universal Access to Information. Such campaigns must focus on digital solutions and apprise the citizens of the use of the internet for availing information.
• Measures for improved connectivity: Steps must be taken to improve internet infrastructure to ensure stable and affordable internet connectivity, especially in underserved areas. Internet penetrations must increase even in remote areas.
• Combating misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech: While the internet allows improved access to information, the threat of misinformation and disinformation increases with greater exposure to the internet. Steps must be taken to counter and reduce misinformation and disinformation to ensure that citizens are not deceived by it.
• Developing friendly user interfaces: While developing government websites and other solutions, the interfaces must be made user-friendly. The design and process for receiving information must not be unnecessarily complicated.
• Establishing public points for information: Establishing public spaces such as community centres or libraries that can help individuals access information on the internet can help reduce the harms of information poverty.
• Specialised efforts for people in vulnerable positions: Special programmes and schemes must be introduced to ensure that the needs of people in vulnerable situations are taken care of. Government websites and applications must be made accessible for persons with all types of disabilities

Steps must be taken to improve internet infrastructure to ensure stable and affordable internet connectivity, especially in underserved areas. Internet penetrations must increase even in remote areas.

Way forward

As Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression has explained that “without universal and meaningful connectivity for all, the right to information is an empty promise for billions of people around the world.” The digital information poverty reinforces inequalities and hampers the ability of individuals to participate meaningfully in the society. Thus, it is paramount to ensure that information is really accessible to all without discrimination, by bridging divides in digital access, skills and literacy.

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Basu Chandola is an Associate Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation

 

• Internet Governance
• India
• digital divide
• digital information poverty
• digital poverty
• information communication technologies
• international day for universal access to information

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