What is the Digital Divide?

There currently exists a gap between people who enjoy the benefits of technology and those whose lives could be significantly improved by it. In most cases, lack of access to existing and new technologies prevents these individuals from truly taking advantage of computers and the Internet. While this is painstakingly clear in developing countries, there is evidence that the digital divide exists even within North America. Regardless of the reasons for this gap, there is a moral imperative to ensure that everyone has equal access to information technology.



What is the Digital Divide Network?

The Digital Divide Network (DDN) was launched in December 1999 as a response to the National Digital Divide Summit hosted by U.S. President Bill Clinton. Originally developed by the Benton Foundation and the National Urban League, DDN was designed as an online clearinghouse of news and resources regarding the digital divide.

In February 2003, DDN left the Benton Foundation as part of the new Center for Media & Community (CMC), an institute of Education Development Center, Inc. in Newton, Massachusetts. In December that same year, CMC unveiled a new Digital Divide Network website: an interactive online community featuring an array of interactive collaboration tools to help digital divide activists around the world to work together.

TakingITGlobal took over operations of running DDN in the 2006. TakingITGlobal is proud to be involved with bridging the digital divide by operating DDN. In 2007, DDN became an Official Honoree of the Webby Award's charitable and non-profit organizations award!

Vision: We envision an increasingly interconnected planet where the application of technology positively impacts the world, and requires all of its citizens to have easy and open access to information technology. The divide that currently separates those who do have access and those who do not must be collectively overcome by all stakeholders.

Mission Statement: The Digital Divide Network strives to be the online destination for individuals interested about and actively overcoming the Digital Divide. It is a storehouse of information for practitioners of all levels, and provides a community environment for the open discussion of the problem and the sharing of best practices.


DDN Team

Adam Clare, Volunteer Lead Editor
Kirsten Jordan, DDN Project Coordinator
Damian Profeta, DDN Project Coordinator Assistant and Editor
Nick Yeo, Fundraiser and Media Communications
Andy Carvin, Founder and Mailing List Editor

Past Sponsors

Annie E. Casey Foundation
Benton Foundation
Time Warner Foundation

About TakingITGlobal
TakingITGlobal is an international organization - led by youth and empowered by technology. TakingITGlobal connects youth around the world to find inspiration, information and get involved in improving their local and global communities.

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with a growing worldwide presence, the organization's flagship program’ TakingITGlobal.org, serves as the most popular online community for young people interested in connecting across cultures and making a difference, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each month.

About the Center for Media & Community and EDC

The Center for Media & Community at the Education Development Center promotes innovative uses of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to foster stronger communities and lifelong learning. Education Development Center (EDC) is an international non-profit organization, building bridges between research, policy and practice. EDC manages 335 projects in 50 countries, and is dedicated to advancing learning and healthy development for individuals of all ages.