Digital Disengagement: COVID-19, Digital Justice and the Politics of Refusal

Digital justice in the age of COVID-19 requires understanding the impact of the pandemic on digital technologies, the right to resist or reject them, and the politics of refusal in different contexts and scenarios. This book provides a timely and original analysis of the new realities and challenges of digital technologies, paving the way for a post-COVID-19 future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Digital justice in the age of COVID-19 is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and nuanced approach. The pandemic has transformed our use and perception of digital technologies in various settings, and it has also highlighted the need for greater digital inclusion and equity. However, the pandemic has also brought with it new challenges and risks, including the potential for increased surveillance, data breaches, and cyberattacks.

One of the key challenges of digital justice in the age of COVID-19 is the right to resist or reject these technologies. This right is essential to ensure that individuals have control over their own data and are not subjected to unwanted or harmful surveillance. However, the right to resist or reject technologies can be difficult to exercise in practice, particularly in contexts where digital technologies are deeply embedded in society.

One of the ways that digital justice can be achieved in the age of COVID-19 is through the development of digital literacy and skills. Digital literacy and skills can help individuals to navigate the digital landscape and to protect their own data and privacy. This can include training programs, online resources, and public awareness campaigns.

Another way that digital justice can be achieved in the age of COVID-19 is through the development of digital infrastructure. Digital infrastructure can include the development of broadband networks, the deployment of smart devices, and the use of digital technologies in healthcare, education, and other sectors.

However, the development of digital infrastructure can also have negative consequences, particularly for marginalized communities. For example, the deployment of smart devices in low-income neighborhoods can lead to increased surveillance and data breaches, and the use of digital technologies in healthcare can lead to the exclusion of certain populations.

To address these challenges, it is important to develop a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape. This can include the development of policies and regulations that promote digital inclusion and equity, the development of digital technologies that are accessible to all individuals, and the development of digital literacy and skills programs that are targeted at marginalized communities.

In addition to these measures, it is also important to address the political and social dimensions of digital justice in the age of COVID-19. This can include the development of policies and regulations that protect the rights of individuals and the promotion of social justice and equality.

One of the challenges of addressing the political and social dimensions of digital justice in the age of COVID-19 is the lack of consensus on the definition of digital justice. Different stakeholders have different perspectives on the issue, and it can be difficult to reach a consensus on the best way to achieve digital justice.

To address this challenge, it is important to engage in dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders. This can include the development of public forums, the participation of civil society organizations, and the engagement of policymakers.

In conclusion, digital justice in the age of COVID-19 is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and nuanced approach. The pandemic has transformed our use and perception of digital technologies, and it has also highlighted the need for greater digital inclusion and equity. However, the pandemic has also brought with it new challenges and risks, including the potential for increased surveillance, data breaches, and cyberattacks. To achieve digital justice in the age of COVID-19, it is important to develop digital literacy and skills, develop digital infrastructure, address the political and social dimensions of digital justice, and engage in dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape that benefits all individuals.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529234657