According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korean information-vulnerable class’s level of digital informatization is improving every year. Despite this progress, the digital alienation phenomenon itself is deteriorating. This is because digital accessibility has improved due to the spread of PCs and smartphones, whereas the information-vulnerable class’s ability to use those necessary devices is still insufficient.

There are several causes of the digital alienation phenomenon. The increase of kiosks is one major cause. Currently, more than 80 percent of franchise stores are in kiosk format. Behind this convenience lies the inconvenience of the underprivileged. Kiosks are built based on the non-disabled’s standing height and do not provide voice support, which neglects the disabled’s usage. In addition, the elderly is excluded, because many are unfamiliar with touch-type machines.

Furthermore, the digital alienation phenomenon has intensified due to COVID-19. Similar to the case of kiosks, the QR code authentication device’s height is accommodated to the non-disabled and does not have verbal functions. What causes even more alienation is that COVID-19 mandatory quarantine passes and vaccination appointments require skillful smartphone usage. However, the kiosk and COVID-19 situation are both only a small fraction of the digital barrier that the information-vulnerable class faces every day.

The Digital Inclusion Act, proposed to the National Assembly in January last year, contains the establishment of a digital inclusion committee affiliated with the Prime Minister. In the meantime, the government is executing measures, such as digital learning centers, smartphone tutors, customized financial services, etc. for the information-vulnerable class. However, the reality is that many digitally underprivileged people are yet to receive help and support. Concerns are growing that digital gaps that started with minor inconveniences will lead to more severe economic and social inequality issues. More inclusive measures must be made in the near future to diminish the digital barriers in the information-vulnerable class’s daily lives.