Digital Divide and Social Inclusion: Reframing Digital Access as a Human Rights Issue

The rapid expansion of the digital society has fundamentally transformed global economic, social, and political landscapes. However, this digital revolution has concurrently birthed profound inequalities, creating a digital divide that operates as a powerful mechanism of structural exclusion. This paper addresses the critical problem of livelihood insecurity and systemic marginalization in digitally deprived regions, arguing that the lack of digital access is no longer merely an infrastructural deficit but a profound human rights violation. The primary objective of this study is to reframe digital access as a fundamental human rights concern, moving beyond the traditional technocratic understanding of internet connectivity. Employing a qualitative, analytical methodology grounded in critical discourse analysis and an extensive review of policy documents and academic literature, this paper systematically dissects the multidimensional nature of digital inequality. Key findings reveal that the digital divide disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, actively denying them essential civic, economic, and social rights, including access to education, welfare, and free expression. The paper concludes that positioning digital access within a human rights framework is imperative for state accountability. The implications for social work practice and public policy underscore the urgent need for universal digital access policies, comprehensive digital literacy programs, and robust interdisciplinary collaboration to foster genuine social inclusion in the digital age.