Global Digital Divides in the COVID-19 Era: Purposeful Use of the Internet and Technologies

This book examines Global Digital Divides prior to, during, and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Estimating socioeconomic influences and pandemic effects, it analyzes spatiotemporal disparities in the access, use, and purposeful uses of information and communications technologies including the internet, AI, and internet-based activities such as e-commerce and social networking. Through its empirical findings and case studies on India’s e-Sanjeevani national telemedicine service or America’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to increase broadband affordability during the COVID-19 pandemic, this book provides policy recommendations to bridge digital divides and produce beneficial outcomes for information societies all over the world.