{"id":25684,"date":"2025-01-14T15:57:56","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T13:57:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crjm.org\/?p=25684"},"modified":"2025-03-14T16:03:04","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T14:03:04","slug":"digital-disparity-the-new-face-of-inequality-the-impact-of-digitization-on-vulnerable-groups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/crjm.org\/en\/digital-disparity-the-new-face-of-inequality-the-impact-of-digitization-on-vulnerable-groups\/25684\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital disparity \u2013 the new face of inequality. The impact of digitization on vulnerable groups"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Digital technologies are rapidly advancing and becoming increasingly present in our lives, changing the way we live, learn and work. This comes with challenges, especially for vulnerable groups \u2013 the elderly, people with disabilities, people on low incomes, children, religious minorities<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Access to digital services requires not only skills, but also the cost of powerful devices and the internet, which some cannot afford. Complicated and unfriendly interfaces and their lack of adaptation to the needs of people with disabilities also contribute to limiting access to digital services. These problems have led to a new form of inequality. Digital disparity reflects differences between groups in their access to and use of information technology and the degree of risk they face. It is therefore important that the digitization process ensures equitable and secure access to the benefits of technology for all, through inclusive policies and measures to reduce digital divides, without leaving any group behind.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Low-income people<\/strong> are the most vulnerable group in terms of digital progress. They lag behind digital developments due to the high cost of devices and internet subscriptions. The elderly and people with disabilities<\/em> are a particularly vulnerable group in this respect.<\/p>\n\n\n

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In 2023, about half of people over 65 were poor. The average old-age pension was MDL 3,676, only 27% higher than the national minimum subsistence level (MDL 2,877). The average disability pension of MDL 2,451 covered only 85% of the subsistence minimum in 2023. In addition, older people have difficulty accessing information and services online due to low levels of digital literacy and psychological barriers such as fear of making mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n

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People with disabilities<\/strong> have difficulties in using digital technologies because existing solutions are not always adapted to their specific needs. Lack of accessible interfaces and compatibility with assistive technologies contribute significantly to their exclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Children<\/strong> are another vulnerable group in the digital age. They are exposed to online risks such as abuse, exploitation and access to inappropriate information. Lack of proper monitoring affects their emotional and psychological health, amplifying vulnerabilities. It is therefore essential that developers consider these risks and integrate measures such as parental control and usage limits to protect children in the digital environment.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Girls and women<\/strong> are underrepresented in the creation, use and regulation of technologies. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in the 2021-2022 academic year, only 21.44% of the total number of ICT students were women. When women are not involved in technological development, digital solutions do not reflect their needs and contribute to maintaining inequalities. Moreover, women are much more affected by online violence and harassment than men.<\/p>\n\n\n

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People with religious beliefs<\/strong> who refuse to use IDNP (national identification number) for dogmatic reasons are deprived of essential digital services that are interdependent with IDNP authentication. The lack of alternative access restricts their participation in public digital services and limits their equal enjoyment of fundamental rights. These barriers reduce their chances to use modern technologies and access educational and professional opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Solutions:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Addressing these challenges and reducing digital disparities requires comprehensive measures aimed at creating a more inclusive society in which all groups can reap the benefits of digitization without being excluded or marginalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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