Digital inclusion is social inclusion in the knowledge and information society. It is about ensuring that individuals and disadvantaged groups have access to, and skills to use, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) such as computers and the internet and are therefore able to participate and benefit from the growing knowledge society in which we live today. To achieve this it is important that access to ICT and the web is available to all regardless of means, situation, age, disability or any other personal or cultural characteristics.
With ICT becoming highly pervasive the social and economic potential and benefits offered are immense and include increased employability, better services, increased quality of life, financial savings, participation in local democracy, celebration of culture and contact with friends and family.
In order to realise this potential it is necessary for those delivering public services in our communities and the voluntary and private sectors to ensure, that as far as possible, all citizens, but in particular the most disadvantaged, can take advantage of ICT and the available services.