Internet for the youth, by the youth, with the youth
Kanako Nannichi (Japan), Caroline Sagalchik (U.S.), Fabio Boniolo (Italy), Mojann Zibapour (Canada), Noe Michalon (France), Renee Cremer (Australia), Mel Tranfield (U.K.), Evie Aspinall (U.K.), Johannes Röder (Germany), and Franka Weckner (EU)
Empowering young people is imperative, in order for us to make more impactful global decisions on the future of tech.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the sharp divide between digital natives with access to the Internet, and those without. For young people, digital devices provided a lifeline during lockdown keeping them connected with others. With a digital divide exacerbated by a pandemic and rising social inequality, part of our society risks being left behind. If this remains unsolved, a technology fuelled world will be a shadow of what it could be. It must be, therefore, designed with the input of young people, focusing on inclusivity, cyber security, digital literacy, the impact of 5G, and the decision-making process around emerging technologies.
If there were any doubts in our minds that the G7 nations are characterized by immensely unequal societies, more than a year of virtual schooling and working has only emphasised this. Men and women, black and white, urban and rural - a lack of universal and affordable internet access is only widening the gaps between each of these populations. These gaps are a danger to our democracies, and young people are particularly vulnerable to the consequences. Young people no longer have low-tech options to succeed. As G7 leaders discuss digital infrastructure plans to “build back better”, telecoms diversification and 5G should be on top of the agenda. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency estimates that 5G will support 100x the network capacity in comparison to existing 4G LTE networks, showcasing a great example of the power of technological innovation. But if 5G is to pave the way for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it must be used as a driving force to address the digital divide and implemented with young people in mind. Students in low-income districts should be considered just as valuable as tech industry employees.
But inclusive access is not just about improving digital infrastructure, it’s also about ensuring that young people have the necessary devices to be able to access online spaces. It is not enough to improve access to digital connections without also improving access to digital devices. The Internet has become an increasingly essential feature of young people's lives, and those who do not have access to these devices are put at an immediate disadvantage, ranging from education to social interaction with peers and everything in between. Programs like Canada’s Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+), which provides computer equipment to schools, libraries, non-profits, indigenous communities, and low-income Canadians, serve as an example of how governments can play an active part in not only in ensuring that youth have better access to digital devices, but also in implementing innovative solutions to the problem of electronic waste. We need programs like this across the G7, and beyond. By giving young people equal opportunities to have access to online spaces, we empower them to be an active part of building their futures.
Alongside all this, it is critical for young people to be equipped with digital literacy skills to allow them to navigate the digital world, as the online space is essential for young people to pursue social, educational and economic opportunities. In particular, young people need to understand the impact of digital media on their lives. Digital literacy would teach them how to effectively browse, manage and evaluate data, effectively communicate via technology, and protect their personal data and privacy from the digital environment, to name a few examples. Online manipulation, especially, can target young people anywhere in the world. Now, more than ever, young people need to be developing as ethical and effective digital citizens who are able to engage positively in online contexts, while also being able to differentiate harmful content which threatens the very fabric of our democratic societies. To prevent the integrity of liberal democractic values and norms being undermined, the G7 must elevate solutions to the issues of digital literacy, ensuring digital literacy is at the forefront of policy moving forward. We encourage the G7 leaders to take the lead in implementing digital literacy acquisition curricula in compulsory education, one which aims to go beyond teaching just technical skills or knowledge. With acquiring skills comes the acquisition of power. We assert that access to technologies is a power and, like any power in a democratic society, it must be shared and fairly represent those it applies to.
Meanwhile, alongside a youth-driven tech industry runs traditional governmental and international regulators whose management would significantly gain from integrating more young representatives. In fact, opinion surveys conducted across the G7 countries revealed that the more interconnected and globalised younger generation, although being the most optimistic regarding digital and tech, does not feel part of the decision-making process around emerging technologies. The younger generation, our generation, is also more prone to question and redefine the existing frameworks through innovative, more horizontal, and internationally collaborative approaches. This includes more youth within digital governance to bridge a perilous generational divide, and build more flexible and agile institutions able to define a safe, inclusive and sustainable digital space that could foster innovation, whilst guaranteeing full digital self-determination to every user. Empowering young people is imperative, in order for us to make more impactful global decisions on the future of tech. A generational dialogue is necessary and will bring benefits to everyone. We are ready to have it.
The impact of all these solutions outlined will accelerate our society into a tech-fuelled world that is equitable. With young people lawfully included in digital governance, we will have the chance to build a world where companies and institutions will be part of our progress to safe, inclusive, sustainable and innovative digital spaces and products.