Encouraging Big Players to Step Up and Close the Digital Divide
Love them or hate them, the tech giants are here to stay. They dominate global markets, amass staggering profits, and drive the innovations that shape our digital lives. With such immense resources at their disposal, it’s fair to expect them to lead the charge in tackling societal challenges like closing the digital divide. And yet, are they truly stepping up where it matters most and supporting grass roots initiatives in Aotearoa? my observation is no.
This week, I heard yet another giant has withdrawn its social responsibility team from New Zealand, opting instead to manage their commitments remotely from Australia. Unfortunately, this trend is becoming all too common. Once well-resourced to address digital equity, many local operations of global corporations—whether tech giants, big banks, or other major businesses—are shrinking their focus to sales and customer acquisition. The results? Programmes aimed at bridging the divide are deprioritised, leaving local communities to fend for themselves.
Don’t get me wrong there are some amazing supporters too - Todd Foundation, One Foundation, Spark Foundation - the philanthropic arms of big locally owned / controlled businesses are shining lights.
Right now with my DECA hat on I hear stories every single day of funding cuts and resources pulled from amazing charities out there exclusively working with their communities to create opportunities through provisioning of affordable internet connections, devices and skills training.
We know they can do it
We know these companies have the resources to make a real difference. Before Covid, we saw powerful examples of what’s possible when they invest in meaningful community initiatives. In 2019, I had the privilege of attending an education conference in Malaysia, funded by Microsoft, where I joined an inspiring indigenous education workshop. Microsoft wasn’t just a participant—they were a driving force, offering funding and support to educators and indigenous leaders from across the Asia Pacific region.
Programs like Google’s Internet Saathi, which trained rural women in India to become digital ambassadors, and Facebook’s (now Meta’s) Free Basics program, aimed at providing low-cost internet in underserved areas, have garnered headlines but gone very quiet post pandemic.
Post Covid it feels like much of this mahi was pulled back, leaving a noticeable gap in the efforts to close the digital divide from these influential players.
Call to Action
Now more than ever, we need to encourage these big players to step up. They have the resources, the networks, and the global reach to make a real impact—not just in Aotearoa but around the world. Bridging the digital divide isn’t just a technological challenge; it’s a moral one. By working together, the tech giants, financial institutions, and other major businesses can lead the way in fostering digital equity.
Let’s hold them to account. Let’s inspire them to channel their resources into sustained, impactful programmes that ensure no one is left behind in the digital age. It’s time to challenge them—not just to innovate but to do so in a way that truly changes lives.
If you want to join or support this quest email me victoria@digitalequity.nz
