Digital Divide
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Created By: boatsie
Last Modified: 12/16/05
Summary: The digital divide is the gap that exists between those who have access to and effectively utilize Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and those who don't. The term was first used in July 1999, in "Falling Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide", a report by the U.S. National Telecommunication and Information Administration describing the information technology and telecommunications gap in the United States. This division between the “haves” and “have-not's” is both international (the gap between affluent elite countries and poor, developing countries) and domestic (the gap between urban, highly connected areas and rural disconnected areas).


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Digital Divide

Digital Divide

From: http://www.slais.ubc.ca

Router vs. geographic density shows most populated regioins are often the most disconnected.

Router vs. geographic density shows most populated regioins are often the most disconnected.

Summary: Illustrating the digital divide
From: http://www.cybergeography.org/

Link: How many people are online? 605.6 0million online, less than 7 million are in Africa; more than 180 million are in Canada/US.

Summary: A quick profile of the digital divide.

Link: Distribution of Languages on the Net: 2002

Summary: World Statistics

Link: Compare and contrast internet usage in regions and countries around the world.

Summary: World Internet Usage Statistics

Link: The Digital Divide Network provides information from educators, policy makers, and other experts in the field of international IT. In conjunction with the organization’s webpage, some 2000 members of the organization’s listserv engage in knowledge sharing related to technology issues, economic development, online diversity, combating illiteracy, and the creation of content for under-served populations and communities. The network routinely participates in and reports on global conferences on such issues as universal access, e-government, and social justice.

Summary: Digital Divide Network

Link: A global generation gap exists between the US and Western Europe, characterized by apprehension over such issues as globalization, immigration, and nationalism, according to this 2004 Pew Research Center report. The Center surveyed over 66,000 people in 49 nations (including the Palestinian authority) in reporting findings that Western Europeans and older Americans believe that interconnectiveness is a threat to their culture.

Summary: Pew Research Center Report

Race, gender, geographical location, economic status, disability, and age are factors common to both the national and international divides.

The international digital divide is also characterized by a region's lack of infrastructure, access to computers, connectivity, training, and the IT sector, the number of users/computers, and the relevance and comprehensibility of the content.

As the developed world becomes more digitalized, the undeveloped world falls further and further behind, unable to access the benefits associated with ICT: job opportunities, online education, e-government, and e-commerce. Despite the fact that there are more Internet users internationally, the digital divide continues to grow.

Over the past four years, these issues have been studied and projects have been launched by such major organizations as the G8 Summit, the United Nations ICT Task Force, the Global Forum, World Bank, Global Forum and UNESCO.






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