The policy of digital equity aim to close the various issues of digital divide. As digital convergence and informatization progresses, it is becoming more important to better utilize various resources. Therefore, making a qualitative difference about the digital divide issue is urgent, and relevant policies and efforts need to be strengthened to narrow the digital divide. In this regard, the overall improvement of information literacy of the public is required as it can increase the convenience in citizens' everyday lives and can create added value. It is, therefore, necessary to continue the development of policies and projects to narrow the digital divide. The Korean government plans to keep strengthening its support with policies to legislate regulations that narrow the digital divide and provide fair opportunities to access information, and to improve information literacy. The efforts to narrow the digital divide and effective policies to achieve the goal must be continued to relieve social conflict and integrate the society.
TopI. Introduction
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have developed since the late 20th century, rapidly changing the lives and ways of thinking of mankind and ushering in an information society with a wholly new paradigm that differs from the existing industrial society qualitatively. The information society is meaningful in itself when the social value of information gets higher and the socialization of information is realized. In other words, the realization of an ideal information society depends on how of a change there is in individuals’ perception, attitude, values, and behaviors that harmonize with changes in the information environment. However, as the penetration and usage of ICTs, including the Internet have increased, the digital divide, one of the side effects, has emerged as a social issue.
The policy of digital equity aim to close the various issues of digital divide. The widening of the digital divide causes the gap in information literacy and economic activity, which, in turn, leads to inequality in opportunities of communication and participation, hindering social inclusion and damaging social values and foundation needed to enter the line of advanced countries. Bridging the digital divide has become an important informatization policy area for both the strengthening of national competitiveness and social welfare. The digital divide brings about and increases inequality among classes and regions, and reduces the economic and social benefits created as a result of ICT development. A country therefore, needs to consider the issue as a national challenge and approach it from the perspective of balanced growth and inclusion.
Korea has developed and promoted timely informatization plans in line with the global informatization trend in efforts to become an ICT-based advanced country. Additionally, it has actively promoted e-government programs since 2001 with aims to improve the efficiency and transparency of government administration and to dramatically enhance services for the public and businesses. As a result of such efforts, the ICT industry has become a key driver in Korea’s overall competitiveness. E-government programs have changed the living environment of the public, but at the same time, caused problems related to the groups that have obstacles in using ICTs. In this regard, the government has endeavored to resolve the digital divide and other problems that can be raised as informatization spreads across the country by promoting policies to improve accessibility for the public and a paradigm shift in informatization.
This article examines the current status in terms of informatization and the digital divide in Korea, and studies policy measures to resolve the digital divide or information inequality. Furthermore, it tries to prove that the measures will not only narrow the digital divide but also contribute to social inclusion.