Analysis of digital policy measures and effectiveness

The way of life has been evolving, where almost every aspect of our lives revolves around and involved some form of digital dimensions. With such heavy reliance in technology in our everyday lives, tech companies are constantly inventing new innovative products at a dynamic pace. Putting on the lenses of someone who is skilled with technology, the rise of innovative digital products that promotes accessibility to information seems convenient and easy. However, this could deem challenging to people with no internet access or knowledge and skills about the digital world. Hence, these disadvantaged citizens become less engaging in the economy and society that revolves around technology-dependency, resulting in digital divide.

Digital divide represents the gap between citizens with digital accessibility and those who do not. Digital technology offers access to information resources and educational tools such as online training courses, where citizens can increase their knowledge, skills and proficiency in certain subjects. The access to technology also provide people with the convenience in seeking career opportunities, healthcare information and social services. Additionally, digital technology has become the driving force towards an e-commerce economy, where internet is the contributing factor to 21% economic growth in many developed countries. Therefore, government has been implementing policies measures to bridge digital divide globally, due to economic and social development that digital technology brings along.

In order to bridge digital divide and promote digital transformation, an equal emphasis on the development on infrastructure and digital literacy is required. The accessibility to telecommunication and digital network such as internet, works hand-in hand with digital knowledge and skills. Based on The America Library Association (ALA), digital literacy refers to the “ requirement of knowledge and technology skills to utilize information and communication technologies to search, evaluate, create, communicate information”. The Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) in the United States of America (USA) developed the National Broadband Plan (NBP), to broaden broadband ecosystems and to ensure that all American has access to network facilities such online resources.

Policies to promote digital literacy to citizens were also initiated by the U. S government. Through the launch of DigitalLiteracy. gov by National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), practitioners delivering training in digital literacy skills trainers in community-based organizations were supplied with links to a variety of resources to assist their work. It also includes guiding resources, catered for career opportunities, development and skills for individuals to upgrade themselves.

Under the 12th Five Year Plan, the government in China has extended the scope of broadband development in both urban and rural areas. As an official strategic public infrastructure, broadband services have been accorded legal status, which is in line with conventional utilities, such as electricity and running water. Thus, this promotes the use of broadband services as a necessity rather than an optional telecommunication function, causing a paradigm shift in China’s information policies. Additionally, to reach out to citizens in the rural areas, the State Council has implemented the “ Internet Plus” policy measure. Through internet accessibility, the Chinese government has introduced e-commerce practices to citizens in the rural areas, allowing villagers and farmers to learn digital skills and develop new products to help their community grow.

As more and more citizens gained accessibilities to information and resources through the advancement of digital infrastructures, public services and administration would gain efficiency, boosting the entire economy.