Digital inclusion for Indigenous communities is very important. In fact, it's so essential that the federal government has made it one in every of them Goals as a part of the Closing The Gap plan. The goal is:
By 2026, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can have the identical level of digital inclusion.
Digital exclusion refers back to the continued unequal access and skill to make use of digital technologies which might be essential for full participation in society.
It significantly stifles indigenous creativity. It restricts access on essential tools, skills and platforms critical to digital expression and innovation.
For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, this exclusion ends in them missing out on opportunities, particularly in areas linked to economic prosperity, corresponding to employment and education. Since the federal government's policy focus is on economic empowerment, this poses a serious obstacle.
Measuring progress toward the 2026 deadline is difficult since it simply exists no current data.
But considering how large the gap was to start with, how little emphasis was placed on collecting relevant data, and the way little government motion has been taken since then, we all know that the goal is unlikely to be achieved.
What is being done?
In order to support the goal, the First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan offers a comprehensive strategy focused on three key pillars:
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Access (to telecommunications services, devices and data)
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Affordability (the fee of services, devices and data)
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Capability (skills, attitudes and confidence in technology).
Initiatives like this focus totally on distant communities Australian Digital Inclusion Index Highlighting ongoing challenges in all three areas.
Although digital inclusion is a pressing issue in distant areas, research also shows that indigenous populations face widespread digital exclusion across the country. whatever the remoteness.
About 84.6% (832,800) of the indigenous population live there non-remote areas. Many of those individuals are also excluded.
ROUNAK AMINI/AAP
Last 12 months the federal government set one up Advisory group to drive progress.
It has turn out to be a “Road map“. This involves traveling to Indigenous communities across Australia to make sure their diverse needs, desires and environments are fully addressed.
Despite these ongoing government initiatives and actions, efforts to shut the digital divide for Indigenous peoples remain inadequate. As technology continues to advance, Indigenous communities find themselves in an increasingly precarious situation.
The rise of artificial intelligence
The government's current plans don’t explicitly address the role of artificial intelligence (AI). This omission is especially concerning given the rapid advancement of AI technologies.
A recent report on adult media literacy in Australia shows that 48% of participants are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander I don't understand what AI is or the associated risks and opportunities. This knowledge gap could further exacerbate the digital divide and deepen existing inequalities.
AI offers each Opportunities and challenges. When led by indigenous peoples, it holds transformative potential across multiple sectors.
It could improve learning tailored to indigenous knowledge systems, contribute to language revitalization and preservation, and improve health care. It could also empower indigenous businesses by streamlining operations and market reach.
Indigenous peoples are already collaborating on research that mixes Indigenous knowledge with AI to support land management practices.
There are only a few Indigenous-led AI projects nationwide, however the potential is great. As Indigenous peoples help develop AI, these technologies could contribute to the meaningful, self-directed growth of Indigenous communities.
But provided that we're there.
Avoid exploitation
The digital exclusion of Indigenous peoples, particularly in policy development and regulation, can result in non-Indigenous peoples using AI to inform our stories without our permission.
You can profit from learning our culture, including arts and languages.
The government must take a more comprehensive and forward-looking approach. This should include expanding the scope of digital inclusion initiatives beyond the present limited focus to incorporate Indigenous communities across the country.
Developing Indigenous digital literacy programs that respect learning styles and culture can be essential.
The government should incorporate AI and other emerging technologies into planning to make sure indigenous communities should not left behind.
Building long-term partnerships with technology corporations, educational institutions and Indigenous organizations to create sustainable digital inclusion programs is critical.
The focus needs to be on creating Indigenous-led opportunities that use digital technologies for economic empowerment without exploiting or harming them.
Underrepresented in technology
One barrier to that is that only a few Indigenous peoples work within the technology industry, particularly in decision-making roles and policy development.
From 2022 it’s going to be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lower than 1.4% from technicians. Further support is urgently needed to extend this number.
That's because technologies like AI offer potential profession opportunities for Indigenous people.
However, Indigenous peoples should not currently employed in industries that cope with AI. The global study of individuals working on this particular industry didn’t mention the involvement of indigenous peoples.
The indisputable fact that the federal government recognizes digital inclusion as a national priority is a positive step. However, the present approach is fragmented and limited. We need a more holistic strategy.
By developing more inclusive, technologically advanced policies led by Indigenous peoples, the federal government can ensure they should not left behind within the digital age. We should be on the decision-making table.
Closing the digital divide requires a various, long-term commitment from government. This means a national strategy that recognizes the varied needs and desires of Indigenous communities across the country.
By harnessing the total potential of digital technologies, including AI, and addressing the unique challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Government can deliver lasting positive change and truly empower Indigenous communities within the digital age .
