Building Safety into Digital Inclusion: Key Takeaways from the USA’s Digital Equity Act Report
The rapid expansion of internet access presents several opportunities. However, as we move toward greater connectivity, there is a critical need to ensure that new and vulnerable users can navigate the digital landscape safely.
The recent report “Building Safety Into Digital Inclusion Efforts: Risks and Opportunities in the Digital Equity Act”, written by Greta Byrum, takes a deep dive into the expansion of broadband access in the USA, and it highlights the importance of building safety and cybersecurity into digital inclusion efforts. The research offers specific recommendations for state and territory broadband offices as they implement Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA)-funded programs under the Digital Equity Capacity Grant.
The Internet : Massive Efficiencies of Scale for Bad Actors
Sandra Ordóñez, head of team at Team CommUNITY (TCU) shared her thoughts about the topic in the report. Among other things, she pointed out that consolidation of data on the Internet creates massive efficiencies of scale for harm due to the sensitive information sitting in databases with various levels of protection.
“Efficiencies of scale favor bad actors—and the Internet is a key driver for efficiencies of scale. We are facing a diverse threat landscape, but many developers, officials, and policymakers don’t fully understand the context of vulnerable users, and don’t have the cultural sensitivity to fully explore and develop the urgent solutions that are needed.”
Key Takeaways:
Analysis and Recommendations to Bridge the Digital Divide
1. Risks and Opportunities in the Digital World
While internet access can open up a world of opportunities, it also exposes individuals to a range of risks, particularly as they engage in digital spaces with limited knowledge or resources. Populations at risk are often the most vulnerable when it comes to online fraud, identity theft, or exploitation. The challenge, as highlighted by TCU's leader, is not just about ensuring everyone has access to broadband, but also about empowering users to navigate this new digital reality safely.
2. Building Safety Into Digital Equity Plans
The report offers practical recommendations for broadband offices to incorporate safety into the rollout of digital equity programs. These steps include:
Risk assessments
Device and software standards
Data policies
Procurement of safety and virus protection applications and tools
Governance standards for use of artificial intelligence tools for administrative and programmatic purposes
The report also advocates for design principles that prioritize safety and cybersecurity at every stage of digital equity programming. These include:
Prioritization of tech workforce programs that build job pipelines for marginalized and vulnerable communities, who best understand the experience of those communities.
Investments in holistic training and community support solutions to shift the burden of protection away from individuals and toward collective solutions.
Establishment of programs that go beyond password basics to address social media safety, targeted fraud and harassment, and the embarrassment and shame that can come with exploitation.
Incorporation of digital safety measures into subgrant programs to ensure safety across a range of digital skills and internet uses.
As states and territories develop and implement their digital equity plans, the recommendations from this report provide a roadmap for integrating safety into every aspect of their programs.
3. A Call for Broader Structural Reform
While the report offers valuable guidance on how broadband offices can protect users, it also emphasizes a broader point: the Digital Equity Act and its associated programs alone are not enough to ensure lasting safety and fairness in the digital world. Structural reforms—encompassing lawmakers, civil society, and various agencies—are necessary to address systemic issues that impact marginalized communities’ access to digital tools and the protections they need.
Check out TCU’s digital rights primer to learn about how to get involved in the digital rights community!