Digital inequality is an uneven distribution of access to digital tools, reliable support, and the skills needed to use technology effectively. In cybersecurity, these gaps can leave some people or organizations less able to recognize threats, protect information, or respond safely to system errors.
In healthcare, for example, staff with limited or inconsistent training may be less equipped to verify an AI system’s recommendations or raise concerns. This can increase risks such as over-reliance on incorrect outputs and uneven safeguards between teams. Role-specific, ongoing training and equitable access to tools can help reduce these gaps, alongside technical protections such as access controls, audit logs, and human oversight.