Digital literacy covers the proficiencies needed to carry out fundamental digital tasks, such as using a computer keyboard or smartphone touchscreen, managing privacy settings, sending emails, searching the web or filling out an online form. These skills allow users to communicate with others and access online commerce and public and financial services.xv Digital literacy also encompasses important security skills, such as protecting privacy, minimising the digital trail left on social media and elsewhere and distinguishing between fact and misinformation.
Without digital literacy, many people are unable to use digital technologies. This predominantly impacts women, people with no or little level of education, the elderly and low-income groups. The lack of digital literacy among vulnerable and marginalised groups is a missed opportunity for digital companies. It is in companies’ interest to support programmes that build the digital skills of these potential customers.


Research Guidance:

The companydisclosesinformation on the resources invested in its digitalliteracyprogramme,the activities delivered,as well as the immediate results or reach of the programme. This includesbut not limited toinformation on how much money was allocated, donated, or invested in the programme; metrics related to personnel involvement, such as number of volunteer hours, number of employees deployed, or time allocated tothe specificprogramme development or delivery; disclosures of material, technology, or infrastructure provided; participation, satisfaction or engagement metrics, number of people directly reached or supported, number of organisations supported. A company‚s reporting of aggregated metrics for all their digital inclusion efforts is not accepted.