In the 2024 paper by Bentley et al., the Third Digital Divide highlights the growing disparities in digital access, usage, and outcomes. As technology rapidly advances, the risk of deepening gaps between those with access to digital tools and those without becomes more pronounced. This divide goes beyond device ownership or internet access, encompassing digital literacy, equitable technology use, and the potential for digital tools to transform education and economic empowerment.
Developing nations face heightened challenges in addressing this divide due to limited infrastructure, widespread economic inequality, and lack of digital literacy. In many regions, unreliable internet access, lack of affordable devices, and underfunded education systems hinder people’s ability to engage with and benefit from digital technologies. Vulnerable populations—such as women, rural communities, and low-income households—are particularly at risk of being left behind.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) further complicates the situation in developing countries. Without strong policies and ethical oversight, AI adoption can exacerbate existing inequalities by increasing access for a select few while excluding marginalized groups. The absence of inclusive regulations could worsen the digital divide, leaving many without the skills or opportunities to benefit from AI-driven advancements.
Overall, the Third Digital Divide is particularly severe in developing nations due to entrenched social and economic inequalities, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of robust policies to promote inclusive technology access. Without deliberate efforts to close this gap, the divide will continue to grow, especially as AI and other advanced technologies become more central to the global economy.
For countries like Indonesia, navigating these challenges while maintaining a commitment to ethical AI is critical. Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Information (Kemenkominfo) has set the stage for responsible AI use with its 2023 AI ethics guidelines, which stress inclusivity, transparency, security, and accessibility. This balance between ethical responsibility and technological innovation is key to ensuring that AI serves all segments of society, not just the privileged few.
Beyond Access: The Real Nature of the Digital Divide
The digital divide is not merely about internet access—it involves who can use and benefit from digital tools, and who is left behind. Bentley et al. point to several variables that contribute to this divide:
- Access to technology: While urban areas may benefit from high-speed internet and advanced devices, rural and underserved populations often struggle to even connect.
- Digital literacy: Having access doesn’t equate to the skills needed to fully utilize digital tools. Many in developing regions lack the education to leverage technology for learning or work.
- Digital well-being: Understanding how technology affects the quality of life is crucial, especially when considering how AI might shape job markets, healthcare, and education.
These factors disproportionately impact vulnerable groups such as women, older adults, low-income households, and rural communities, further entrenching existing inequalities.
Indonesia’s Ethical AI Strategy: A Blueprint for Digital Inclusion
Indonesia has positioned itself as a leader among developing nations in response to these challenges by emphasizing ethical AI implementation. Kemenkominfo’s guidelines serve as a framework to ensure AI contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society. Some of the key elements of this strategy include:
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: Kemenkominfo stresses the importance of making technology available to marginalized communities—whether in rural areas, belong to low-income households, or represent other vulnerable groups. By expanding digital infrastructure and creating affordable access points, Indonesia aims to close the gap and bring more people into the digital fold.
- Human-Centered AI: The guidelines advocate for AI systems that serve human needs rather than exploit vulnerabilities. This is particularly important in education, where digital literacy programs need to empower individuals who have historically been left behind. Indonesia’s investments in digital skills development can serve as a model for other developing nations facing similar challenges.
- Security and Data Protection: For any AI system to gain widespread trust, robust protections around user data are essential. As digital technologies become integral to everyday life—powering everything from healthcare to governance—Indonesia’s emphasis on data privacy is crucial for fostering digital trust and increasing technology adoption.
Indonesia’s Possible Paths in Addressing the Third Digital Divide
Bentley et al. outlines several possible futures for nations grappling with the Third Digital Divide, depending on the level of government intervention and public technology adoption. For Indonesia, these scenarios provide a useful lens for assessing its progress.
- Inclusive Digital Prosperity: In this ideal scenario, Indonesia continues to invest heavily in AI and digital infrastructure, ensuring widespread access and inclusive benefits. By following Kemenkominfo’s ethical guidelines, the country could create a digital economy where all citizens—regardless of income, location, or background—participate and prosper.
- Technological Lag: If government intervention falters, Indonesia could face a future where only urban elites enjoy the benefits of AI. The digital divide would widen, leaving rural areas and low-income communities disconnected from the global digital economy.
- Uneven Access: Despite government efforts, cultural and technological barriers may impede adoption, especially in rural areas. Even with improved infrastructure, segments of the population could remain disengaged due to socio-cultural resistance or lack of digital literacy.
- Private Sector Innovation: If the private sector leads technological advancement, innovation could flourish in urban areas, but without coordinated government action, rural regions may remain underserved. This scenario risks exacerbating inequalities as tech benefits are concentrated in cities.
Conclusion: Toward Ethical and Inclusive AI Development
The Third Digital Divide presents a formidable challenge for countries like Indonesia, but there are pathways forward. Through ethical oversight, robust government policies, and targeted public education, the digital divide can be narrowed. Indonesia’s commitment to ethical AI, as outlined by Kemenkominfo, positions the country to address the adverse effects of this divide while fostering inclusive growth.
By adhering to principles like inclusivity, security, and transparency, Indonesia is laying the groundwork for a more equitable digital future. But to fully realize this potential, sustained government action is required. This means continuing to invest in infrastructure, expanding digital literacy programs, and creating policies that prioritize access for all citizens, particularly in marginalized and rural areas.
Indonesia’s journey could serve as an inspiration for other developing nations—demonstrating that with the right mix of ethics and innovation, technology can be a force for good, driving not just economic growth, but social equity.
