7.2 Digital divide The digital divide can be defined as a rift between those who, for technical, political, social, or economic reasons, have access and capabilities to use ICT/Internet, and those who do not. Various views have been put forward about the size and relevance of the digital divide. Digital divide(s) exist at different levels: within countries and between countries, between rural and urban populations, between the old and the young, as well as between men and women. In IG, the main focus is on the digital divide between developed and developing countries. Status of governance mechanisms for the digital divide The World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS) was driven by the objective to bridge the digital divide. The WSIS outcomes, in particular the Declaration of Principles and the Plan of Action of the Geneva phase of WSIS, talk extensively on the digital divide. Since WSIS, the UN Secretary-General report on WSIS implementation and follow-up and the subsequent ECOSOC resolutions discuss the various aspects of digital divides annually as they review progress made in the implementation of WSIS outcomes. The digital divide (or divides) is also addressed in the context of the other development issues (UN Millennium Development Goals). It is also monitored by the UNDP’s Human Development Report and WEF’s Networked Readiness Index. The digital divide is most directly related to telecommunication infrastructure, net neutrality, disability rights, women’s rights online, copyright, capacity development, access, cloud computing, public good. the following Internet policy issues: cybersecurity, freedom of expression, intermediaries, e-commerce, labour law, education, multilingualism, and global Possible gaps in dealing with the digital divide There is knowledge gap related to the lack of data and research on the impact of various policy actions and mechanisms on the nature and level of digital divide. On the policy level, there is insufficient mainstreaming of digital divide issues in the Millennium Development Goals. Also, to date, the digital divide has not been fully integrated in the reflections on the new post-2015 Development Agenda. 7.3 Capacity development Capacity development is essential for the faster growth of the Internet in developing countries and the reduction of digital divides. It includes development of both institutional capacities (an enabling environment for Internet growth, policy-making, implementation), and individual competencies (e.g. literacy, ICT skills, cybersecurity culture). 40