The Malta Communications Authority is publishing the ‘Digital Information Society - A Strategic Framework for Action 2018 -2022’, for public consultation. The framework charts the way forward for the Information Society Unit for the next four and a half years.
In an increasingly digital world, where Information Communication Technology is permeating every aspect of life of the majority of citizens, the MCA has the mandate to roll out initiatives that would minimise digital illiteracy across society.
The relationship between technology and members of society is changing and becoming more complex. Technological developments generally outpace the rate at which the majority of citizens are able to sync with. This creates what is dubbed as the ‘digital divide‘ phenomenon, where the digitally literate are able to reap the benefits of technology in various streams, from wider employment opportunities to greater societal engagement, whilst the less or non-digitally literate, pay the price of exclusion or lack of full participation in society.
This Strategic Framework was put together following a number of workshops conducted by a sociologist, experts in ICT, mass media, and digital inclusion, in under-privileged communities. The Strategic Framework for Actions 2018 -2022 puts the public at the centre of each of its eight priorities hence, the Authority is pleased to invite anyone who wishes, to contribute cross-reference views or comments.
The MCA may update the ‘Digital Information Society - A Strategic Framework for Action 2018 -2022’ document, to reflect the feedback received. A final version of the evaluation document will be made available on the MCA’s website in Q3 of this year.
The ‘Strategic Framework for Action 2018 -2022’ remains available for consultation until the 25th June 2018 and can be accessed via the following link https://www.mca.org.mt/content/digital-information-society-strategic-framework-action-2018-2022. A set of guiding questions can be found on pg. 16.
Feedback can be sent to the MCA via an online form available at https://goo.gl/fi4zoP, via email on info@mca.org.mt, or by post at: Digital Information Society, Malta Communications Authority, Valletta Waterfront, Pinto Wharf, Floriana, FRN 1913.