The Netherlands faces a meaningful challenge: more than 2 million people struggle with low literacy. In an increasingly digital world, these individuals encounter significant obstacles, leading to exclusion from essential services and civic participation.

Navigating a Digital Society

Simple tasks,once straightforward,now present hurdles. Spending a change of address is already a statement, highlighting the difficulties faced by those not digitally connected. Many companies are reducing telephone accessibility, assuming that customers can manage changes online. This shift disproportionately affects those without computer skills or internet access.

• Account Creation: Each company requires citizens to create unique accounts, each with its own password, adding to the complexity.
• Digital Literacy: The assumption that everyone can navigate these systems overlooks the reality for millions of Dutch residents.

Exclusion from Civic Duties

The digital divide extends to civic participation. Municipalities are increasingly requiring internet access for roles in polling stations and vote counting. the training for these positions is now exclusively digital, further marginalizing those without computer access.

The Cost of Connectivity

The assumption that everyone owns a computer and has internet access is a significant oversight. The deteriorated mail delivery system exacerbates the problem. It is easy to digest that governments, banks and other companies assume that everyone has a computer with an internet connection. They assume that everyone has money for this and people can spend around a thousand euros for a new computer if a computer is aging over time.

People must be able to participate in society, even if they do not have a computer. Earlier, the right to vote was abolished that was based on possession. The current abuse has to do with possession again. Having or not having a computer. Come on parliament, put an end to the exclusion.

Call to Action

The current situation echoes past injustices where the right to vote was tied to property ownership.The digital divide creates a similar barrier, excluding individuals based on their access to technology. It is indeed imperative that parliament addresses this issue and ensures that all citizens can participate fully in society, regardless of their digital capabilities.