This briefing looks at how COVID-19 has impacted older people's internet use and sets out recommendations that will help ensure fewer people are digitally excluded.
COVID-19 has spurred many more people to get online or to use the internet in new ways compared to before the outbreak. But it has also further exposed and deepened the divide between the digital haves and have nots. Many activities, information and services have moved exclusively online without offering offline alternatives or with offline alternatives being limited or restricted.
This briefing is for Government, local authorities, funders and providers of online training and support, and for any businesses or organisations delivering online services. It provides a summary of what digital exclusion means and who is most affected, and it looks at how COVID-19 has changed the landscape of digital exclusion.
The paper also includes principles for supporting people to get online and makes recommendations for change needed to happen to ensure fewer people end up on the wrong side of the digital divide.
