CONNECTING POPULATIONS

Ruwandi Perera wonders whether it’s possible to connect everyone digitally

The world’s population is growing. And as we celebrate World Population Day on 11 July, more than eight billion people are living on Planet Earth – a number that’s expected to increase to 10.4 billion by the end of the century.

Of this number, 14 percent of people live within five kilometres of violent conflict, eight percent are in extreme poverty, 10 percent go to bed hungry every night and three percent are unable to read or write.

It is sad, shocking and unfair… but true: the world is divided along the lines of living standards, access to resources and capabilities.

It’s also divided digitally.

Around 2.6 billion (33%) citizens of the world are offline; they’re not  connected to the digital web that so intricately links almost every aspect of our lives. This means no smartphones, internet connectivity, social media, ride hailing apps and Google Maps!

The lack of data availability and devices, limited access to digital infrastructure and absence of digital skills are some of the most obvious reasons, while poverty, lack of education, social inequalities and gender-based divisions also contribute to this state of negativity.

Although digital does have its fair share of dangers and ethical conundrums when used incorrectly, it makes everything easier, cheaper and connected – and it empowers people.

For instance, a rural potato farmer in a small village on a tiny island can sell his or her produce to a stay-at-home mother at the other end of the world with the simple click of a button on a smartphone.

Yet, many are left behind.

When exploring how to connect the world online to access the benefits of digital technologies, it is important to understand the terminology first.

Digital inclusion refers to what needs to be done to ensure that all individuals and communities have access to information and communication technologies. This includes having access to affordable and robust broadband connections, devices that enable internet exploration, tech support and the digital literacy to use online content.

Indeed, digital exclusion occurs when insurmountable barriers prevent people from accessing technology. These people are digitally disabled, whether physically, socially or otherwise.

Reasons for digital exclusion include a broad spectrum of phenomena ranging from illiteracy to websites that aren’t user-friendly and digital platforms that aren’t designed according to universal design principles.

Digital equity is the ideal state of affairs where people across all communities, societies and countries have the digital capacity needed to participate in society, democracy and the economy.

Without digital equity, a country’s citizens won’t be able to harness the full potential of its digital agenda – including accessing essential services, employment and civic participation. This paves the way to a digital divide, which is the gap between those who have access to affordable and reliable internet services, and the skills and devices to access them, and those who don’t.

What’s important to note is the repeated use of the terms ‘affordable’ and ‘reliable’ in many of these definitions when discussing internet access.

The non-affordability of internet services is a key contributor to the digital divide in low income countries, where the cost of fixed and mobile broadband services is far higher than in high income countries.

In a world where even the simplest website or shortest video is in high resolution and requires a higher bandwidth to access, having expensive internet services is a major barrier.

The affordability and robustness of internet services still have room for improvement in Sri Lanka too. Com­bined with low digital literacy rates, this creates a gloomy picture and a widening gap between those who have access to digital technologies and others who lag behind.

Digitalisation of the fuel pass using a QR code during the fuel crisis was a shining example of the many advantages of using simple yet effective digital tools. Yet, to ensure continuity of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation drive, the nation and all its stakeholders including the general public must collaborate, contribute and be willing to change.

The changes needed – such as the digitalisation of identification systems, tax payments and settlement of other essential services – might be incremental but their impact will be manifold.