THE CONCEPT OF DIGITAL INCLUSION: ESSENCE, FACTORS, ELEMENTS

Abstract

The country's information security is formed under the influence of many multidirectional factors, one of which is a high level of digital inclusion. This factor is determined by the fact that individuals and societies have free access to information and communication technologies and have the skills to use them. Consequently, they can benefit from the information society without increasing cyber threats. In this regard, measures to ensure the country's information security should include those measures aimed at assessing the level of digital inclusion and increasing it. This will ensure the safe and reliable interaction of people, governments and societies in a digital society. The study aims to clarify the understanding of the concept of «digital inclusion» and systematize its elements, taking into account specific features and factors of influence. The article contains a logical and comparative analysis and generalization of scientific literature devoted to the concepts of digital inclusion and systematization of its elements, taking into account the specific features and factors of influence, emphasising the impact on the level of information security of the country.
 The article determines that the complexity of the interpretation of the concept of «digital inclusion» is explained by its complexity since it is at the junction, multi-level intersection of socio-political, technological and economic concepts. At the same time, depending on the researchers' goal, this concept is studied from different points of view: the ability of an individual or communities to use ICT; ultimate goals; counterbalancing the emergence of the digital divide and/or digital discrimination; public or political activity. The factors influencing the level of digital inclusion are systematized.