Since the mid-1990s, researchers have found persistent differences in technology use by social category. The United Nations defines the digital divide as the gap between people who have access to and use Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), including Internet connectivity, Internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy skills, and those who do not. Access to all three is crucial for communities to establish a strong and sustainable connection to the digital world. 

This is especially important as critical aspects of society, like education, workforce development, and innovation, move online. Internet connectivity is considered the foundation for participating in a digital society and a crucial element of digital human rights. Without a reliable, affordable, sustainable, and inclusive Internet connection, people are systematically excluded from the benefits of digital technology, participation in the digital society, and access to digital services.  

The group of people who are not connected to the Internet mostly come from disadvantaged communities. The digital divide reflects and amplifies existing social, economic, and cultural inequalities such as gender, age, race, income, and ability. The communities that are most affected by this divide include, according to the UN:  

• Women and girls  
• Children and youth 
• Older people 
• Urban poor
• Marginalized or minority communities 
• Persons with disabilities 
• Indigenous communities 
• Refugees and migrants 

Unequal access to digital resources can have a range of adverse effects. It reinforces existing societal, economic, and education disparities, creating a disadvantage cycle. It also restricts people’s ability to obtain information, education, employment opportunities, government services, healthcare knowledge, social and political participation, and other essential services. This can limit social mobility, worsen inequality, and widen the gap between digitally empowered and marginalized communities.