Artificial intelligence, blockchain, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have profoundly and extensively reshaped our digital ecosystem. For a long time, digital technologies have been regarded as powerful tools for promoting connectivity, inclusiveness, and social progress. However, without effective regulatory and governance mechanisms, emerging technologies could also exacerbate various forms of inequality.
On November 10, the academic symposium on Digital Equality and Connectivity in the Context of Emerging Technologies was successfully held in Hangzhou. The event was hosted by the International Academic Consortium on Global Digital Equality of the College of Media and International Culture, Zhejiang University. Experts and scholars from China and abroad conducted in-depth discussions on topics related to digital equity, aiming to foster cooperation and exchange and to build a core force to advance global digital equality.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Hong Yu, Vice Dean of the College of Media and International Culture at Zhejiang University. Fang Xingdong, Executive Dean of the College, and Wang Kexin, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of Zhejiang University, delivered welcome speeches on behalf of the organizers.
Fang Xingdong first welcomed and thanked the scholars and guests in attendance. He stated that the consortium has always adhered to an open, shared, and cooperative approach to promoting research and practice on digital equality, aiming to address inequality in the development of the global digital economy. Fang also expressed his expectations for the symposium, hoping that it would offer more ideas and solutions for achieving global digital equality.
Wang Kexin, in alignment with the theme of the symposium, offered three suggestions and thoughts. First, to keep up with the times and discuss media development together. Second, to focus on technological transformations and continuously innovate. Third, to address social realities and highlight humanistic values. She expressed her hope that her remarks would inspire deeper discussions among the participating experts and scholars, contributing intellectual insights to the understanding of digital equality and connectivity in the context of emerging technologies.
Zhao Yu, on behalf of the research team, released the Digital Divide Annual Report (2024). The report showed that the size of the digital divide and internet penetration rates vary across regions globally, influenced by economic levels, social gaps, and the development of infrastructure. Regions such as the United States and Canada have advanced digital infrastructure and high internet penetration rates, while Europe and the Asia-Pacific region exhibit greater digital divides, and Africa faces the most pronounced challenges. The report highlighted China's effective measures and significant progress in narrowing the digital divide.
Wei Lu, President of Zhejiang University of Media and Communications, officially launched his new book, The Digital Divide: Concepts, Causes and Consequences. Zhang Chen, Deputy Chief Editor of Zhejiang University Press, provided a brief introduction and recommendation for the book. Wei Lu, Peter Dengate Thrush, Fang Xingdong, and Zhang Chen jointly unveiled the book.
During the keynote session, six invited scholars from various countries and regions, including Mark Graham, Lee Chul-joo, Ahmed Mansoori, Mona Mwakalinga, Mark Joseph Williams, and Wei Lu, delivered keynote speeches, sharing their research findings and unique insights.
In the afternoon, the symposium continued with parallel forums where attendees reported and discussed six specific topics:
1.Legal and Ethical Issues in Digital Technology
2.Digital Media and Creative Subjects
3.Bridging, Reversing, and Reshaping the Digital Divide
4.Emotion and Labor in Digital Transformation
5.Digital Technology and Accessible Communication
6.Education and Research in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
The symposium successfully fostered interdisciplinary dialogue and global collaboration, providing a solid foundation for further advancing digital equality worldwide.
