By: Berin Szoka

Berin Szoka — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:18:25 +0000

I think we need to distinguish between two separate issues here: bandwidth and interface. For instance, government agencies could use short online videos like those currently available on the FTC's OnGuardOnline.gov about online security and privacy tips to communicate more effectively to those whose literacy level might make them uncomfortable with longer text articles. An even better example of effective communication through video is Google's privacy channel. Of course, while these interfaces may be more accessible to the the "socioeconomically disadvantaged," they also require greater bandwidth. It's worth noting that a Pew survey conducted in July about wireless use found that "The high level of activity among African Americans on mobile devices helps offset lower levels of access tools that have been traditional onramps to the internet, namely desktop computers, laptops, and home broadband connections." It's noteworthy that 29% of African-Americans access the Internet on a handheld (only barely lower than the nationwide average of 32%), but of course, that still means 71% don't. Still, it does seem that iPhone-class devices will be the most likely adoption path for minorities. YouTube one simple interface to make more effective use of this high-bandwidth medium. These numbers don't eliminate the need to find other ways to make better use of less capable cell phones for e-Government, but they should make us optimistic about mobile computing erasing the "digital divide."

Comments on: Internet Safety Month, Part 8: Social Networking Safety

By: Berin Szoka