BRITS DEMAND DIGITAL EQUALITY: INTERNET ACCESS NOW DEEMED A HUMAN RIGHT

New research has revealed that most Brits surveyed now see internet access as a basic human right, with over a third (36%) believing digital skills are as vital as being able to read and write. Despite this, more than 35 million (66%) say they lack the know-how to fully engage online, underscoring the urgency behind Vodafone’s continued campaign to close the digital divide.

The majority of Brits (68%) believe that keeping pace with technology is vital for advancing in the modern world. Those with poor digital skills say it makes them feel out of touch (20%), and stressed or worried (14%), and over a third (37%) think it’s important for their mental health for things like keeping in touch with friends and family. With technology advancing at pace, it’s becoming more and more difficult for people to keep up. A lack of confidence or motivation impacts how six in ten Brits (66%) use the internet, so the bar for digital inclusion is being raised ever higher.

The research was carried out to shine a light on the current state of the digital divide and understand what needs to be done today to eliminate digital exclusion. It comes as Vodafone reaches a significant milestone in its everyone.connected programme which has helped four million people and businesses cross the digital divide.

Despite helping millions since the programme’s launch in 2021, the research shows there is still much to be done for the many who don’t have access to basic connectivity or skills to fully participate in our digital society. To help understanding and highlight this ongoing problem, Vodafone today revealed a giant Snakes and Ladders board in London, raising awareness of the ups and downs faced by those living on the wrong side of the digital divide.

Access to technology is a human right
In four short years, technology has completely transformed how people live, work and connect; most people (64%) now view working from home as the norm, and 59% rely on tech every day to keep in touch with their loved ones.

In fact, connectivity is intrinsic to virtually every part of modern life, from public services and healthcare to finance, work and education. Three quarters (75%) of respondents rely on it to complete essential tasks, including booking GP appointments (33%), getting news updates (39%), managing finances (53%) and navigation (34%). And nearly four in 10 (39%) Brits believe digital communication skills are as important to getting ahead as social skills and basic literacy (36%), with 61% believing that being online should be a human right.

Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, VodafoneThree, said: “When we launched everyone.connected four years ago, our goal was to help those without devices or connectivity as life moved online quickly and unexpectedly during the pandemic. What began with the Great British Tech Appeal has grown into a nationwide programme offering social tariffs for those facing financial hardship, connectivity for charities and small businesses, and digital skills training. Together with our partners, we’re proud to have made a real difference, helping millions of people across the UK access the digital world and build essential skills.”

Award-winning Broadcaster, Writer and Actor, Reggie Yates, commented: “I’ve seen first-hand how opportunity can change depending on which side of the street you live on. Today, that divide is digital. Too many people are locked out of education, creativity and connection simply because they lack the means or the know-how to access the connectivity so many of us take for granted. It’s great to partner with Vodafone to shine a light on the issue and help to build a digitally inclusive society where no one is left behind.”

A complex and evolving divide
Even as we increasingly depend on the online world, 41% state that a distrust in news and fears about misleading information is an ongoing concern. A further 38% of those surveyed added that ever-more sophisticated fraud and scam campaigns are a worry, and more than half (51%) said this stopped them engaging with new tech and platforms – even those who identify themselves as tech-savvy (50%).

Helen Milner, CEO, Good Things Foundation, said: “The digital divide is far reaching, with serious social and economic consequences. While progress has been made, challenges around digital skills, usage and confidence persist, leaving people at risk of digital exclusion as technology evolves and trust remains fragile. From finding work to accessing everyday services or building new business tools, being able to use technology effectively is now essential. That’s why we’re so proud of our partnership with Vodafone, helping millions of people across the UK access devices and connectivity. To continue to move forward, we must ensure people have the right skills and confidence to embrace new tech at home and in the workplace.”

Digital skills as the next frontier
Expectations are high in the workplace and are only going to continue to grow. 87% of business owners surveyed say they now require up-to-date digital skills from their employees, with a third (33%) saying these skills are more important today than they were five years ago.

While confidence is high with basic tasks like online shopping (86%), banking (84%) and emails (85%), it plummets for higher-level skills like maximising productivity (59%), using work-related digital tools (56%) or spotting fake news (65%).

With high numbers of Brits concerned about their digital know-how, 64% state they are keen to improve their skills, with the most popular areas for growth revealed as staying safe online (31%), boosting creativity (23%), and advanced skills such as coding and data analysis (34%).

Lyons added: “Reaching our four million milestone is just the beginning. The digital divide is complex and evolving, impacting people faster than their skills or resources can adapt. That’s why we’re doubling down on our commitment to help even more people, with our partners, over the coming years.”

Launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone.connected focused on providing connectivity, technology, and affordable tariffs to those at risk of digital exclusion. While everyone.connected today celebrates its ambition of helping four million people and businesses cross the digital divide, Vodafone is continuing its work to support those who need it most with access to connectivity and devices, while increasing its focus on enhancing key digital skills, AI literacy, and future readiness.

This will include skills and confidence support through Good Things Foundation’s National Digital Inclusion Network and grassroots programmes that support communities, alongside the infrastructure rollout. By addressing the capability gap, Vodafone aims to ensure that everyone can fully participate in community life, the economy, and the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

To find out more about the programme and how to get connected with your local Good Things Digital Inclusion Hub, visit the interactive snakes and ladders installation at Potters Field Park, near Tower Bridge in London, from 08:00 – 16:00 on Tuesday 9th December.