A man using a mobile phone

Digital inclusion means that everyone, regardless of background or abilities, has access to and can effectively use digital technologies like computers, the internet, and smartphones.

This means they have the skills, devices and data needed to participate in the digital world. 

The aim of digital inclusion is to prevent anyone from being left behind because they lack these resources, and to create a more equal and accessible society. 

Digital inequality is complex and evolving. We've pulled together a summary of the most important facts and stats and listed some helpful reports below. 

Useful Reports

There's lots of really great research and strategy being done around digital inclusion. We've picked out ones with useful facts and stats, but also ones with positive actions we can take. 

Benchmark Report

The Lloyds Consumer Digital Report is the largest ongoing annual study on the UK's digital and financial lives. Read the full 2024 report below.

A UK-wide strategy

The Digital Poverty Alliance has a UK-wide digital inclusion strategy and a practical, detailed plan to make it happen.

Digital Inclusion and young people

There's an assumption that young people are "digital natives" untouched by the digital divide.This report by Nominet in 2023 questions that. 

Inclusion & healthcare

This report (2023) from The Kings Fund talks to practitioners and patients at the issues around digital inclusion in healthcare.

Cost of Exclusion

From the Good Things Foundation looking at the economic impact of digital inclusion in the UK. Figures are 2022 but still relevant. 

Data Poverty

What it is and how to tackle it. Excellent report from the Data Poverty Lab (2022). Clue: data poverty isn't what you think it is... 

Digital Skills and Work

A road-map from Futuredotnow, looking at how business, government and society can work together to fix the skills gap (2024).

What we believe

How we change the lens on digital inclusion and make it work for everyone. These pieces by our CEO outline the fundamentals of what's working and what needs work. 

The MDLS

The Minimum Digital Living Standards is establishing benchmarks for what you need to connect and engage with confidence and safety.

A graphical representation of the periodic table which includes descriptions of digital capabilities rather than chemical elements

Table by Kat Dixon at the Data Poverty Lab on what you need the internet for. Downloadable version here.

How do Digital Champions combat digital inequality?