The COVID-19 pandemic detonates a digital big bang

Across Asia and the Pacific, digital technology is transforming many aspects of daily life. These changes were already well underway before the COVID-19 pandemic but were given a further boost by the pandemic, as governments, businesses and communities sought greater safety by using contactless digital interactions. In many respects, the outcomes were beneficial, motivating whole societies to adopt digital technologies more rapidly and radically. But this ‘big bang’ also left many people behind, particularly those without the necessary assets or capacities to take advantage of these new options, thus further accentuating the digital divide.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Reduced Inequalities