Digital poverty: Revisiting definitions for effective policy-making

Digital poverty affects 2.7 billion people globally, with 96 percent in developing nations, disproportionately impacting women and girls. It exacerbates inequalities by limiting access to education, employment, and social participation. This study reviews definitions of digital poverty, identifying five key themes: digital poverty as a continuous condition, minimum ICT usage, ability poverty, and lack of critical digital resources. Findings reveal that digital poverty is multi-dimensional, involving access, affordability, literacy, and connectivity. Aligning its definition with the U.N.’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals is crucial for effective policy. Further research should explore intersections with other inequalities and interventions for inclusive digital engagement.