Digital Exclusion in Northern Ireland: Access to the Internet is a Human Right

As society continues to move towards digital-only services, Advice NI highlights the growing issue of digital exclusion in Northern Ireland and the serious consequences for individuals and communities left behind. We are calling for policymakers, businesses, and service providers to recognise digital access as a human right and take action to ensure that no one is unfairly discriminated against due to a lack of connectivity, skills, or digital resources.

Moving services entirely online without sufficient support or alternative options for those who are digitally excluded risks deepening social inequalities. Advice NI is urging the Northern Ireland Executive to adopt a more inclusive approach, ensuring robust support systems, public education, and affordable access for all citizens.

We are calling on:

1. Policymakers: Develop and implement a comprehensive digital inclusion strategy for Northern Ireland that ensures digital access for everyone, with a particular focus on rural and low-income communities.
2. Service Providers: Ensure that critical services remain accessible for those who cannot access digital platforms, whether due to lack of broadband, skills, or technology.
3. The Public: Raise awareness of digital exclusion and advocate for inclusive solutions in your local community.

The digital divide is not just a technological issue—it’s a social justice issue. Together, we must ensure that no one in Northern Ireland is left behind as we embrace a digital future.

Access to digital services has become increasingly vital for everyday tasks, from applying for jobs and claiming benefits to staying in touch with loved ones and accessing healthcare. In Northern Ireland, where rural isolation and socio-economic inequalities are particularly acute, those without adequate access to the Internet face significant disadvantages.

Speaking from Advice NI’s “Working Together for Digital Empowerment” event held on Thursday, 24th October 2024, an event held to bring together key stakeholders, volunteers and community leaders to discuss innovative approaches to digital inclusion.

Patricia Donald, Head of Comms and Digital said:

"The move to digital is meant to streamline services and increase accessibility, but for those without internet access, digital literacy, or the devices needed to connect, it does the opposite—it locks them out of vital services and isolates them further. We cannot afford to overlook those who are digitally excluded. When essential services like healthcare, banking, and public services move online, entire communities’ risk being left behind. This is not just an inconvenience; it is a human rights issue as people cannot participate fully in society."

Northern Ireland is one of the most digitally excluded regions in the UK, ranking below the UK average for adults with basic digital skills.  Leaving people of Northern Ireland digitally excluded, either due to affordability or not having the skills to navigate and stay safe on the online world is unacceptable. The problem disproportionately affects low-income families, older adults, those with disabilities and rural communities.

Speaking at the event, Heydi Foster An Cosán said:

“I want to thank Advice NI for the invitation to speak at the “Working Together for Digital Empowerment” event about this really important issue we are all facing. As a human rights advocate, I see first-hand the incredible pace and scale of technological change we are all experiencing. Anyone serious about supporting people and communities to ensure we leave no one behind, must understand that technology is now a critical dimension of human rights and democratic participation. An Cosán has being raising awareness around unequal digital access for many years, as well as the differences people have in the capability to use digital technologies which are so essential for full participation in society. I also want to commend Advice NI for organising this event especially as tackling the Digital Divide requires all society – government, non-profit, the volunteering and corporate sectors and citizens - to come together to ensure digital access is available for all as a human right.”

In 2021, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the internet. As Northern Ireland advances its digital infrastructure, we must ensure this right is upheld for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location. Policymakers, businesses, and service providers need to recognise digital access as a human right and take action to ensure that no one is unfairly discriminated against due to a lack of connectivity, skills, or digital resources.

Notes:

1. Press Contact – Navigator Blue.
2. Advice NI is the umbrella body for the Independent Advice Network in Northern Ireland. In 2022/23 Advice NI and its members dealt with over 260,000 enquiries, the majority being social security benefits related.
3. Advice NI have successfully delivered many digital inclusion projects which have helped people to develop their digital skills and access their rights and entitlements trying to combat digital exclusion in NI.
4. In the last year Advice NI’s digital champions & volunteers provided 105 digital inclusion sessions to 275 number of people.  Some of these sessions were accredited leading to increased employment skills for participants.
5. To find out more about the work of the Independent Advice Network or to obtain copies of the various publications produced by Advice NI, please contact us at 028 90 645919, email comms@adviceni.net or visit our www.adviceni.net.
6. If you need advice please call our Freephone helpline on 0800 915 4604.