| Syllabus: GS-II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Elections and RPA, Issue: Technology Manifesto |
Key issues in the digital ecosystem:
- India has 904.54 million broadband subscribers, but growth is uneven, favouring urban, male, and upper-income groups.
- Despite the Telecommunications Act of 2023, internet shutdowns persist, affecting lower-income Indians heavily reliant on smartphones.
- Lack of political focus on digital issues hampers democratic representation and separates digital society development from public discourse.
 The way ahead:
- Political discourse should address the inequitable distribution of internet connectivity and propose solutions for social justice through digitization.
- Policy debates on internet access, surveillance, data breaches, and digital rights need mainstream attention and careful regulation.
- Digital technologies, essential for employment, health, and modern living, should be prioritised in party manifestos.
- Political parties should offer an alternate digital vision to engage voters.
