Over the past two years, the number of people using the internet worldwide increased from 4.1 billion to 4.9 billion. In 2021, 63% of the world’s population was online. Digital gaps that have persisted over decades are slowly shrinking – more women and more people living in developing countries have gained access to the internet. At the same time, inequities continue to prevent equal enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression, civic participation, and access to information. Pervasive targeted online harassment against female politicians and journalists can have a chilling effect on participation and expression. Trolling and online abuse are in some cases forcing marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community off of social media.

How can digital security professionals address the digital divide and contribute to a more equitable and safe online space? I met with IREX digital security and information technology professionals with a variety of backgrounds from around the world to discuss their recommendations.

Based on a breadth of experiences from a wide array of contexts, the group shared their analysis of recent trends, concerns for equal participation of marginalized groups, and some quick and easy fixes to be safer online.   

Cost and connectivity barriers to online participation

In rural and remote areas, internet access continues to raise barriers to participation and inequalities are rooted largely in economic inequities. Collins, a cyber security professional working with IREX in Africa, notes that in Kenya, “internet penetration is at about 40% of the population with a vast majority of users connecting to the internet using mobile devices. People in traditional or pastoral communities do not have access to the internet as a result of accessibility, electricity, and poverty.” Rene, a digital security trainer with the SAFE program based in Central America, adds that in the context he works in, “the main obstacle that you have in terms of the connectivity of people would be the moderate or high costs of having a device that has enough capacity for your data package.”

Attacks against the LGBTQ+ community

In addition to barriers associated with costs of devices and bandwidth, some groups are increasingly prohibited from participating online because of the hostility and violence they face online. In all five regions covered by the experts, the LGBTQ+ community continues to be met with severe attacks and harassment. In Europe, IREX digital security trainers Michael and Iryna reported that organized online bullying and attacks on social media have become part of everyday life. The perpetrators try to prevent organizations or individuals from being represented online and attacks such as SMS-bombing and phishing against the LGBTQ+ community aim to scare, disrupt, and distract activists.  

Bryan, a cybersecurity professional working with IREX in North America, shared, “Targeting of LGBT groups via dating apps in societies that shun same sex relationships is still an issue. The targeting is usually done through geolocation and was a serious threat three to five years ago. Application engineers have responded with security updates and enhancements, but without proper education it continues to be a concern.”