Time for a tech manifesto

Key issues in the digital ecosystem:

• India has 904.54 million broadband subscribers, but growth is uneven, favouring urban, male, and upper-income groups.
• Despite the Telecommunications Act of 2023, internet shutdowns persist, affecting lower-income Indians heavily reliant on smartphones.
• Lack of political focus on digital issues hampers democratic representation and separates digital society development from public discourse.

 The way ahead:

• Political discourse should address the inequitable distribution of internet connectivity and propose solutions for social justice through digitization.
• Policy debates on internet access, surveillance, data breaches, and digital rights need mainstream attention and careful regulation.
• Digital technologies, essential for employment, health, and modern living, should be prioritised in party manifestos.
• Political parties should offer an alternate digital vision to engage voters.

Source: Indian Express