A digital divide between those who have Internet access and those who do not causes, or increases, economic and social inequalities. 

The divide can be found within countries and between countries, and is driven by different socio-economic levels among regions, households and individuals. The digital divide can be wide enough to create “information have-nots.” The Digital in 2018 report, published in January 2018, states that there are now over four billion people worldwide using the Internet — over half of the world’s population is now online. But what about those who are not online? 

As information technology develops at an ever-rapid pace, the digital gap has been widened, exacerbating inequality and economic opportunity. The Internet penetration rate is as high as 94 percent in North Europe, while in Asia, the figure is only 50 percent. In Africa, Internet penetration rates are lower still, with Central Africa at only 12 percent; North Africa, with 49 percent, registers the highest penetration rate on the continent.

On November 7, the fifth annual World Internet Conference opened in East China's historic water town of Wuzhen in Zhejiang Province. Themed “Creating a Digital World of Mutual Trust and Collective Governance, Towards a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace,” the conference's mission was to facilitate bridging the digital divide.

China is among the countries exposed to the digital divide. How is China employing the Internet domestically to reduce imbalances, especially in poverty reduction? And how can China's experience be leveraged internationally to help developing countries? Bridging the digital divide is not only about building network infrastructure, but also about cultural and educational factors that inhibit or promote digital literacy. 

One must not forget about cybersecurity. Determining the global governance of cyberspace will help shape the future of the world.