Digital Equity 2.0: How to Close the Data Divide

The data divide, which results from inequities in data collection and use, hinders certain populations from benefiting from data-driven services. Communities should adopt a holistic approach to close the data divide by balancing privacy and data innovation, increasing data collection efforts, enhancing access to data, improving data quality, and improving data analytics efforts. Policymakers should invest in smart cities, create data-sharing partnerships, and ensure routine maintenance of datasets to enhance data quality and accessibility. Digital equity efforts, similar to those used to close the digital divide, require rethinking privacy laws and regulations to support data collection and sharing for social good.