Bridging the Digital Divide: NHRCK Urges Action to Ensure Digital Accessibility for Older Persons
The NHCK recommends to the Minister of Science and ICT that provide training tailored to older people, support the development and provision of digital devices, guarantee analogue accessibility rights, set up help desks, etc.
On 2 February 2024, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Chairperson Song Doo-hwan, hereinafter referred to as "NHRCK") made the following recommendation to the Minister of Science and ICT: As the country faces the challenges of an increasingly ageing population, and as digital transformation in Korea will affect every aspect of daily life, measures must be taken to address social isolation and discrimination against the elderly.
□ Tailored education for the older persons to strengthen their ability to use digital data.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for smartphone apps and digital kiosks has become commonplace in everyday activities, such as booking transport or reserving leisure activities. However, this shift towards digitalization can disadvantage older persons who may not be familiar with these technologies, leading to hardship, isolation and marginalization.
Digital literacy training for older persons has become essential, recognizing that they may need more time to adapt than younger people due to potential physical and cognitive limitations. It's vital to offer practical, hands-on training tailored to their pace and learning style, rather than generic lectures aimed at a broad audience. For those with mobility issues, one-to-one sessions at home could ensure accessibility. There is a need to institutionalize training programs that take into account the different preferences and needs of older persons. In addition, improving the quality of digital education for older persons requires the training of specialized educators who are skilled in empathetic and effective teaching methods that are adapted to older persons' perspectives and challenges.
□ Design and distribution of user-friendly digital devices for older persons
Older persons may face physical challenges in reading small text or hearing soft sounds. They may also be unfamiliar with abbreviations or neologisms commonly used by younger people. Older persons' use of digital devices may also be hampered by complex fonts, such as cursive or stylized fonts, and abstract images, which can add to the difficulty of navigating digital content.
National guidelines for the universal design* of digital devices should therefore be developed and made available to enable older persons to easily access digital devices. In addition, relevant budget allocations and technology support need to be expanded to encourage private sector participation.
□ Creating accessible environments for digital devices
In modern society, access to information is essential for the exercise of other fundamental rights. As such, ensuring access to information should be a governmental obligation, seen as a provision of fundamental rights rather than a mere convenience or welfare service. Therefore, it is essential to provide options for older persons to access the data and services necessary for their daily lives through both digital (such as social networks and digital kiosks) and analogue methods (including postal services, telephone and face-to-face interactions), allowing them to choose the most appropriate method for their needs.
□ Operation of hotlines or help desks to assist older people with digital issues.
To facilitate the use of digital devices by older people, it is essential to provide support through help desks (face-to-face assistance) and hotlines (telephone assistance) to quickly resolve inconveniences and significantly enhance their learning experience.
□ Establishing a basis for ensuring digital accessibility for older people
As 2025 approaches, Korea is on the verge of becoming a super-aged society, coinciding with the increasing sophistication and prevalence of digital devices. In response, it is essential to mandate that digital data and services provided by central and local governments, public institutions, and private entities remain accessible to the elderly. In addition, the development, provision and support of ICT devices tailored to the needs of older persons should be actively pursued. Legislation is also needed to establish the guidelines and standards that will improve data accessibility and provide a solid foundation for addressing these imperative changes.
The NHRCK anticipates that this recommendation will act as a catalyst for the establishment of a support framework that will ensure data accessibility and address the digital divide faced by older persons, thereby upholding their dignity. Going forward, the NHRCK will maintain its focus on this issue, closely monitor developments from different angles and offer further strategies for policy improvement as needed.
* Universal design: A concept coined by the American architect Ronald Mace that aims to provide safe and easy access to products, buildings, environments, services, etc. for all people, regardless of disability, age, etc. Often referred to as "design for all". Often referred to as "Design for All", this approach emphasizes ease of use and safety, particularly for older users, and serves as a fundamental guideline for creating age-friendly solutions in the EU and other leading countries.
