DIGITAL POVERTY IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY

Today, inequalities in access to the Internet and technology have deepened the digital divide in areas such as education, employment, and social participation, giving rise to a new form of inequality known as digital poverty. Digital poverty focuses on the absence or minimal level of individuals’ access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). It arises not only from income insufficiency but also from the lack of ICT infrastructure as well as deficiencies in knowledge and 
skills. The ICT Development Index developed by the International Telecommunication Union reveals the digital divide among countries through its sub-indices of ICT access, use, and skills, thereby indirectly indicating the prevalence of digital poverty. To combat digital poverty which particularly affects groups such as the elderly, low-income individuals, those living in rural areas, and people with disabilities it is crucial to develop multidimensional strategies, including infrastructure strengthening, 
affordable device accessibility, and digital skills training.