The digital divide, the UN, and the computing profession

摘要

The term digital divide usually refers to the great disparities between and within societies in the use of digital technology. In December 2003, the United Nations held a World Summit on the Information Society to adopt a declaration that embodies, in its draft form at least, "the ambitious vision" of "bridging the digital divide." The declaration's hopes focus on the rapid pace of development of ICTs (information and communication technologies) unprecedented in history - which allows for the development of applications that make it possible that no one is left behind and that those who were left marginalised in previous development cycles can have a real opportunity to attain higher levels of development without having to follow the traditional path nor its time requirements. This article considers the shortcomings of this proposal.