The Accelerating Importance of Digital Literacy

At the heart of addressing today’s complex issues ranging from cybersecurity and online safety to free speech and artificial intelligence (AI), lies a fundamental need: enhanced digital literacy.

Our world is becoming rapidly digitized, which requires cultivating comprehensive digital literacy. It is the bedrock of a more inclusive economy. Without digital literacy, we risk a marginalized society, with individuals excluded from opportunities that require technology. All essential and non-essential services are now digital.

Digital literacy can mean different things to individuals. For some it can begin with basic computer skills, enabling users to comfortably interact with various digital tools and platforms. For others, it is about navigating the online world safely, protecting personal information and avoiding online scams. And today, in schools across America, we’re seeing an explosion of coding and programming opportunities, opening up a world of possibilities for the next generation of creators and inventors. 

We believe that digital literacy is crucial for ensuring that everyone, no matter their background or location, has the opportunity to participate fully in the modern digital society, and are able to access and understand information. In order to prevent the marginalization of individuals and communities, Identity Digital is focusing on a few key areas:

• Reducing barriers by addressing language, literacy and culture sensitivities
• Ensuring an inclusive and secure infrastructure 
• Advocating for policies that promote equitable access to the digital world

Multilingualization is one of the best ways to show communities around the world that they too belong online and narrow the digital literacy gap. That is why Identity Digital supports more than 35 languages worldwide. We believe that all domain names and email addresses should seamlessly function across any internet-connected device and software - the principle of Universal Acceptance (UA). In turn, this will break down barriers and increase access to information. 

As people access information online, they need to feel comfortable and safe. Our efforts to tackle DNS Abuse play a critical role in advancing the mission of an inclusive and secure infrastructure. Whether in the form of phishing, malware, pharming, botnets, or spam, DNS Abuse can lead to significant harms ranging from device destruction to identity theft. As digital stewards, we go to great lengths to combat these cyber threats. Each year, we eliminate thousands of malicious sites, dedicating extensive resources and maintaining constant vigilance to ensure a safer internet. 

However, this challenge requires a collective effort from our entire digital community. We’re actively educating global decision-makers on crucial issues related to modern digital infrastructure. Just last month, as part of the Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2C)’s annual fly-in, we met with U.S. legislators in Washington, D.C., offering our insights and expertise on today’s pressing digital challenges, including cybersecurity, free speech and AI ethics. 

Digital literacy is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process of learning and adaptation. As the technological landscape rapidly evolves, prioritizing digital literacy is increasingly important. Whether our digital citizens are just beginning their online journey or looking to deepen their existing skills, digital literacy is key to thriving in our interconnected world.

By fostering digital literacy, we can build a more informed, secure, and inclusive digital future for all.