Latest news with #digitaldivide
Associated Press
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
Jointly Protecting People's Rights in Digital Era
BEIJING, June 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Emerging technologies like AI, big data and the Internet of Things are rapidly reshaping the world in this era of digital intelligence. However, they are also bringing challenges to human rights, which makes joint efforts essential. Science and Technology Daily spoke with international experts on these issues against the backdrop of the 2025 China-Europe Seminar on Human Rights hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and Cátedra China Foundation in Madrid, Spain, on June 25 on the theme 'Human Rights in the Era of Digital Intelligence.' One major challenge is the persisting digital divide between different countries and regions. To better protect digital rights in underprivileged countries — particularly in the Global South — governments, in partnership with international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union and World Bank, must prioritize building Internet infrastructure in rural and underserved areas, Denis Simon, a visiting professor at the Asian Pacific Studies Institute, Duke University, said. The digital divide is not merely a matter of infrastructure — it also involves education, economic capacity, policy frameworks and global inequalities in technological power, Simon said, adding that large-scale investments in digital literacy, especially for women, youth and marginalized communities, are critical. Dr. Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, a senior lecturer and researcher at the School of Overseas Education (School of Foreign Languages), Sanming University, China, stressed that digital education initiatives, such as teaching people how to use technology safely, recognizing misinformation and disinformation, and understanding their rights online, are equally important. China has made significant strides through infrastructure investment, Internet access, digital infrastructure, and inclusive policies when it comes to bridging the digital divide, Islam said. The country has rapidly expanded 5G networks and fiber-optic coverage to rural and remote areas, with initiatives like the 'Digital Rural Revitalization Strategy' bringing high-speed internet to millions of villages. Programs like Smart Villages and e-commerce poverty alleviation initiatives have connected millions of small producers to national markets. Targeted programs in digital literacy have been launched, especially for the elderly, rural residents and ethnic minorities, Simon said. Despite bringing benefits to people's daily life, AI is a double-edged sword. Osuagwu Obinna Ikechukwu, a Master's student at Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said AI challenges include data privacy violations, algorithmic bias, threats to intellectual property, and opaque decision-making. Addressing these requires robust data governance, transparent and accountable AI systems, and inclusive design processes. Simon pointed out that AI systems introduce profound new risks to fundamental rights due to their complexity, opacity and governance requires coordinated global action, as no single country can regulate cross-border algorithms, datasets, or platforms alone. A global framework developed through collaboration between governments, tech companies, civil society and experts could help set clear ethical guidelines and legal protections for issues like privacy, fairness and accountability, said Islam. It is also vital to include voices from the Global South and other underrepresented regions. Bridging the digital divide and ensuring responsible AI governance needs joint efforts — and the younger generation has a crucial role to play in it. The younger generation is both the most affected by and the most capable of shaping the digital future, Simon said. He suggested that young people leverage social media and online platforms to educate, mobilize and advocate for equitable digital policies, and help close the digital literacy gap by mentoring peers and older generations. Governments and international bodies should institutionalize youth consultation in digital governance discussions, he added. View original content: SOURCE Science and Technology Daily
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jointly Protecting People's Rights in Digital Era
BEIJING, June 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Emerging technologies like AI, big data and the Internet of Things are rapidly reshaping the world in this era of digital intelligence. However, they are also bringing challenges to human rights, which makes joint efforts essential. Science and Technology Daily spoke with international experts on these issues against the backdrop of the 2025 China-Europe Seminar on Human Rights hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and Cátedra China Foundation in Madrid, Spain, on June 25 on the theme "Human Rights in the Era of Digital Intelligence." One major challenge is the persisting digital divide between different countries and regions. To better protect digital rights in underprivileged countries — particularly in the Global South — governments, in partnership with international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union and World Bank, must prioritize building Internet infrastructure in rural and underserved areas, Denis Simon, a visiting professor at the Asian Pacific Studies Institute, Duke University, said. The digital divide is not merely a matter of infrastructure — it also involves education, economic capacity, policy frameworks and global inequalities in technological power, Simon said, adding that large-scale investments in digital literacy, especially for women, youth and marginalized communities, are critical. Dr. Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, a senior lecturer and researcher at the School of Overseas Education (School of Foreign Languages), Sanming University, China, stressed that digital education initiatives, such as teaching people how to use technology safely, recognizing misinformation and disinformation, and understanding their rights online, are equally important. China has made significant strides through infrastructure investment, Internet access, digital infrastructure, and inclusive policies when it comes to bridging the digital divide, Islam said. The country has rapidly expanded 5G networks and fiber-optic coverage to rural and remote areas, with initiatives like the "Digital Rural Revitalization Strategy" bringing high-speed internet to millions of villages. Programs like Smart Villages and e-commerce poverty alleviation initiatives have connected millions of small producers to national markets. Targeted programs in digital literacy have been launched, especially for the elderly, rural residents and ethnic minorities, Simon said. Despite bringing benefits to people's daily life, AI is a double-edged sword. Osuagwu Obinna Ikechukwu, a Master's student at Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said AI challenges include data privacy violations, algorithmic bias, threats to intellectual property, and opaque decision-making. Addressing these requires robust data governance, transparent and accountable AI systems, and inclusive design processes. Simon pointed out that AI systems introduce profound new risks to fundamental rights due to their complexity, opacity and governance requires coordinated global action, as no single country can regulate cross-border algorithms, datasets, or platforms alone. A global framework developed through collaboration between governments, tech companies, civil society and experts could help set clear ethical guidelines and legal protections for issues like privacy, fairness and accountability, said Islam. It is also vital to include voices from the Global South and other underrepresented regions. Bridging the digital divide and ensuring responsible AI governance needs joint efforts — and the younger generation has a crucial role to play in it. The younger generation is both the most affected by and the most capable of shaping the digital future, Simon said. He suggested that young people leverage social media and online platforms to educate, mobilize and advocate for equitable digital policies, and help close the digital literacy gap by mentoring peers and older generations. Governments and international bodies should institutionalize youth consultation in digital governance discussions, he added. View original content: SOURCE Science and Technology Daily Sign in to access your portfolio
Entrepreneur
2 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Wiom Raises USD 40 Mn to Expand Affordable Internet Across Rural India
The round was led by Bertelsmann India Investments and Accel, with participation from Prosus, Promaft Partners, and RTP Global. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Delhi-based internet services company Wiom has raised USD 40 million in a fresh funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments and Accel, with participation from Prosus, Promaft Partners, and RTP Global. The funding will be used to scale its product offering, hire more talent in technology and operations, and expand to under-connected towns and rural districts across India. Wiom, previously known as i2e1, was founded in 2015 and rebranded in 2021. The company offers an innovative, asset-light internet distribution platform that allows individuals and small Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to resell home broadband as sachet-sized internet packs, starting at just INR 5. Through this model, users can share their broadband connection and earn money, often reducing or eliminating their own internet bills. "We bring down the cost of internet access by 40-60%. In some cases, it's entirely free for the host," said Satyam Darmora, one of Wiom's co-founders. Customers benefit from a pay-as-you-go model, bypassing the financial burden of upfront broadband payments. Wiom functions as India's largest licensed Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) under the PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme, aiming to bridge the digital divide in underserved regions. The company partners with around 100 regional ISPs, primarily in tier II and III towns and villages, especially across Uttar Pradesh and Eastern India. Its proprietary software, embedded in home routers, enables nearby users to connect through a login portal—similar to hotel Wi-Fi—without needing an app. "Wiom is addressing one of the most fundamental yet underserved challenges in India—affordable and unlimited internet for the masses," said Rohit Sood, Partner at Bertelsmann India Investments. "Their scalable, asset-light model is laying the digital foundation for the next 500 million Indians." Pratik Agarwal, Partner at Accel, added, "Only 10% of India's 200 million households have affordable unlimited internet. Satyam, Nishit, Ashutosh, and Maanas are reimagining how access can be delivered. We're proud to support their mission to close India's digital divide." With over one million monthly active users, Wiom plans to more than double its reach annually. It is also investing in next-generation technology, including proprietary firmware and hardware, through its "Tech for Future" initiative. "This is a win-win segment—for users and existing ISPs alike," Darmora emphasised.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Arab News
Balochistan youth swap trees for tech as Internet lab bridges digital divide
LASBELA, Pakistan: When Abrar Roonjha returned to his hometown near Bela in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province during the COVID-19 lockdown, he was faced with a major dilemma: how would he attend online classes without reliable Internet connectivity. Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province by area, accounts for nearly 44% of the country's landmass but only around 6% of its population. Despite its mineral wealth and geostrategic location, the militancy-plagued region remains the country's most underserved in infrastructure and connectivity. Combine that with the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a devastating impact on education across Pakistan, with prolonged school closures affecting more than 40 million students nationwide. According to a 2021 UNICEF report, around 23 million school-going children were unable to access remote learning during the pandemic due to limited or no Internet connectivity and a lack of digital devices. The situation was especially dire in rural and underserved areas like Balochistan, where infrastructure gaps meant many students were entirely cut off from their lessons. 'I used to hang my mobile phone on a tree and try to connect to its hotspot to continue my studies but it was very difficult,' Roonjha, now 21, told Arab News. That changed in 2021 with the launch of the Wang Lab of Innovation (WALI), a free Internet and digital skills center in Roonjha's village, supported by the Internet Society and run by the Welfare Association for New Generation (WANG), a grassroots organization in Lasbela district. Since then, nearly 650 youth in the region, many from low-income families, have gained access to high-speed Internet and basic tech education. For young people like Roonjha, the lab has become a portal to the wider world. 'When the Wang Lab of Innovation was established here, I was able to access high-speed Internet. This brought a major positive change in my life,' said Roonjha, who now leads creative programs at the lab. The connectivity also enabled him to attend international forums, including the World Youth Festival in Russia in 2024 and a UN regional conference on sustainable development in Bangkok earlier this year. DIGITAL DIVIDE IN PAKISTAN'S LARGEST PROVINCE Despite its vast size, Balochistan remains Pakistan's least connected province when it comes to Internet access. According to Freedom House, around 60 percent of the region lacks any Internet coverage, and in areas with service, mobile speeds are often well below the national average of 6.2 Mbps. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority reports broadband penetration in the province sits at just 15 percent, compared with the national average of 45.7 percent. Infrastructure challenges, like mountainous terrain, sparse population, and frequent security-related shutdowns, have consistently deterred investment in fiber and mobile networks . While government-backed initiatives like the Universal Service Fund have begun extending 4G and broadband over limited areas of Balochistan, the majority of rural communities still struggle to connect, reinforcing the importance of local projects like the WALI lab. 'WALI has created a vital space, especially for girls, to access knowledge and skills they would otherwise have no means to acquire,' said Aftab Ahmed, 26, a co-founder of the lab. The initiative is also one of the few local digital literacy efforts led by young people from the region. While national programs like Pakistan's 'Digital Pakistan' campaign have focused on major urban centers, grassroots projects in remote provinces are rare and often underfunded. The lab is housed in a modest building in the village and is now a daily destination for schoolchildren, university students, and aspiring content creators. Its impact is visible in the confidence and creativity of its youngest users. Fawaz Qadir, 16, began coming to the lab a year ago. 'I would come here and learn about different AI tools,' he said, describing how he creates music and short films using Suno AI and Meta's animation tools. 'I talk about climate change and how humans have damaged our environment.' Abdul Hadi, 14, walks two kilometers each day to reach the lab. In just a year, he's learned to design YouTube banners and navigate the Internet. 'Things are no longer the way they used to be,' he said. For Rifat Wasim, 13, a student at the local girls' school, the lab is her only access to a computer. 'There's no laptop or such devices at my home, so I come to the lab, and I enjoy it,' she said. 'I've learned to browse the Internet, use a computer, and create videos.' RETHINKING THE FUTURE Roonjha, the sociology student who once studied under a tree, now teaches children to use artificial intelligence tools. 'I see that children as young as ten or twelve are creating music using AI, they are making films,' he said. 'They've started to understand the possibilities the Internet offers, and how, through AI, they can showcase their work to the world and make their presence felt.' The WANG initiative remains one of few rural digital labs in the province. Other recent government-supported efforts include the USF, which has launched projects to expand 4G coverage in parts of Balochistan. But for many villages in districts like Lasbela, such access remains a distant promise. Ahmed, the WALI co-founder, hopes the model can be replicated. 'Digital inclusion is not just about connectivity, it's about opportunity,' he said. 'When children in remote areas have access to the same tools as anyone else, it transforms how they see their future.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Human-I-T Launches FREE AI Skills Courses Empowering the Workforce
Training Program Makes AI Literacy Accessible Beyond Tech Circles NEW YORK, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Human-I-T, the nation's leading digital equity social enterprise, has unveiled a new and completely free artificial intelligence literacy program designed to ensure every worker, whether on the floor, in the field, or behind a screen, has the skills to thrive in today's AI-driven world. From the predictive text in your phone to the autocorrect that quietly improves your writing, AI is already part of daily life. Still, most people do not realize how embedded it has become or how essential it is to understand. Human-I-T's new program aims to close that awareness gap and make AI training available to everyone, regardless of role or environment. Delivered through Human-I-T's network of refurbished devices and internet connectivity programs, the training ensures that underserved communities have access to essential AI skills that are rapidly becoming necessary for workplace success. "We are on the precipice of a new kind of digital divide," said Gabe Middleton, CEO and co-founder of Human-I-T. "The first was about access to the internet. This one is about understanding and using AI. If people don't get the tools and training now, they will be shut out of the opportunities this technology is creating. This is not about job titles. It is about digital knowledge and economic survival. Everyone deserves to be part of this future, and by embracing AI they are opening doors to new opportunities that were not in existence before AI." The AI Literacy Training Program challenges the outdated notion that only professionals in tech need AI skills. In reality, AI is just as valuable to someone managing inventory or customer requests as it is to someone analyzing data. This training will give people the power to work smarter, build confidence, and create new pathways for career growth and mobility. The AI Digital Literacy Course covers practical applications including using using free AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity for workplace tasks such as drafting professional emails and simplifying complex instructions, fact-checking AI information to avoid misinformation, spotting AI-generated fake content and detecting scams, and more. With this knowledge, the sky is the limit. For Human-I-T, this is a call to action to prevent the digital divide from swallowing up individuals, families and communities. AI is already here, and the people who know how to use it will lead the way. Those who do not risk being left behind. Sign up for Human-I-T's AI Literacy Training Program here Media Contact:Sandy View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Human-I-T Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
