About the data
The WBA Digital Inclusion Benchmark measures and ranks the world's most influential companies on their efforts to advance digital inclusion, tracking how companies are expanding access to digital technologies, improving digital skills and literacy, and ensuring safe and inclusive digital environments for all. The 2026 edition assessed 200 companies across key sectors of the digital economy including telecommunications, software, hardware, and digital platforms. The benchmark is developed in close collaboration with an Expert Review Committee and partners including GRI, ITU, and the Alliance for Affordable Internet, with a methodology designed to incentivise companies to understand where digital exclusion risks are highest and act to bridge the digital divide, while keeping human rights and social impacts at its core.
More information can be found here.
More information can be found here.
Methodology
Open source has transformed the way software is developed and is driving innovation across the globe. Communities of dispersed developers are building on open source software to make it better and adaptable to new innovative uses. The Global Digital Compact and Pact for the Future emphasise the importance of digital public goods, including open source software, open data, open AI models and open standards, which empower societies and facilitate digital cooperation.
Supporting start-up ecosystems, particularly those led by vulnerable groups, also drives bottom-up innovation. Many digital companies have a dedicated venture capital fund. There is an opportunity for companies to channel some of that funding into promising start-ups whose founders are from vulnerable groups. Company support for incubators and affordable access to relevant products for start-ups can also help boost the tech ecosystem.
Research Guidance:
The company discloses that it is a member of an international standards organisation, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), Linux Foundation, or another recognised international standards body relevant to the digital sector. Membership must be at the company level. Individual participation or affiliations by employees, consultants, or contractors do not qualify. Subsidiary companies or regional offices can qualify if they are formally recognised as members by the standards organisation.
Supporting start-up ecosystems, particularly those led by vulnerable groups, also drives bottom-up innovation. Many digital companies have a dedicated venture capital fund. There is an opportunity for companies to channel some of that funding into promising start-ups whose founders are from vulnerable groups. Company support for incubators and affordable access to relevant products for start-ups can also help boost the tech ecosystem.
Research Guidance:
The company discloses that it is a member of an international standards organisation, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), Linux Foundation, or another recognised international standards body relevant to the digital sector. Membership must be at the company level. Individual participation or affiliations by employees, consultants, or contractors do not qualify. Subsidiary companies or regional offices can qualify if they are formally recognised as members by the standards organisation.
License
Topics
Framework Mappings
Value Type
Category
Options
Yes
No
Not Applicable
Assessment
Steward Assessed
Report Type
Aggregate Data Report