Access and digital participation are not the same thing

In a comparative analysis of our final results, we came to certain overarching conclusions on the drivers and barriers to digital participation. Greater access does not automatically mean greater participation. Access is a necessary but not sufficient condition for active participation. The framework conditions must be right for digital participation to become possible. They include sufficient media and information literacy and the protection of digital rights. The narrative must change from the issue of access to the encouragement of the freedom to actively participate in the public debate. In many countries, including Ghana, governments are starting to improve their electrical and digital grids. At the same time, high costs and deficits in media and information literacy prevent people from becoming more involved, despite these improvements.

The #speakup barometer is a DW Akademie project that examines the connection between digital participation, freedom of expression and access to information. Learn more at www.dw.com/barometer