Greg Adamson

If today we provided a high speed connected device to every human in the world, this would not achieve the implied goals of "digital inclusion". Begin with the word "digital": based on the work of Nyquist (1928) this refers to the process of reducing all analogue messages to digits, usually "1"s and "0"s. While this may have been adequate for computerisation of engineering calulations or bussiness processes, it is entirely inadequate today. An alternative is to reconceptualise digital as cyberspace, a field of human endeavor. We should conceive of humans having access to a safe and trusted place, and we can address the barriers to such access. This allows us to consider such issues as cybersecurity, protection of the rights of the child, and a dignity-based approach to technology adoption. While this submission describes an existing program, the submission itself an individual one, not on behalf of that program.

The problem can be summed up in an assumption that the purpose of "digital inclusion" is inclusion in a digital economy.

Develop an approach to cyberspace consistent with Kant's dictum that humans should always be an end, never merely a means (eg a means to make money by selling products to a previously inaccessible community).

It helps humans live their lives, sing their song, dance their dance, in the new domain of cyberspace.

It addresses current and future problems created by the current formulation of this challenge, and other similar initiatives.

The program provides a bottom-up approach for digital challenges. When they move beyond the concept stage they are converted into standards development activities.

It is innovative because it reframes the questions that should be asked, and challenges the limitations of "digital" in representing the human condition.

Our solutions addresses boundary conditions related engagement in cyberspace, including remote villages, on-line gamers, people with intellectual disabilities, children. Once adopted as technology standards, these are available for a significant proportion of the world's population.

Regular reporting.

An industry connection program within the IEEE Standards Association

Two part time, approximately 30 volunteers.

Integrally connected to the world's largest technical professional association and a world leading Standards Development Organisation.

While we have no formal goals, women and people of color predominate throughout the initiative.

We provide a platform for technology challenges that generally fall into the "too hard" basket, such as the use of IoT for domestic abuse. This depends on a well-developed inclusive engagement and leadership approach.

The purpose of this application is to draw attention to the need for a more human-centric approach to the challenge of "digital inclusion".

As we provide a platform for standards development, companies wanting to improve their performance in creating dignity-respecting solutions in cyberspace are an important target audience.

Particiption in relation to specific workstreams, eg future of work, gender equity and social inclusion in infrastructure creation, digital rights of the child, behavior in on-line gaming, respectful digital identity.