Digital inclusion

The Digital Strategy for Wales outlines how we will use digital, data and technology to improve the lives of people in Wales. Mission 2: digital inclusion describes how we will help people who want to engage with digital technology (including the internet) and realise the many benefits of the digital world.

Our digital strategy delivery plan details the actions we will take to achieve the priorities in our digital strategy and Mission 2.

We currently measure digital inclusion in Wales through the National Survey for Wales, focusing on whether individuals personally use the internet. However, we recognise people can benefit from engaging with digital technology safely and confidently therefore, we must recognise that digital inclusion is more that just using the internet. The concept of a minimum digital living standard reflects this; emphasising the need to have the appropriate devices, connectivity and basic digital skills.

We have taken a lead role in exploring, defining and piloting work on the concept of a minimum digital living standard for Wales. 

We are preparing to undertake a survey that will establish a baseline of how many people aged 16 and over living in Wales fall below the minimum digital living standard. The results are expected to be published in 2026.

Our Guide on how to make a service inclusive is aimed at the public sector. It will help us work towards Mission 1, public services, to design them around the needs of the people who use them.

Our Digital Inclusion Wales (procured service) provides a central hub for organisations seeking advice and support on digital inclusion. It helps ensure that digital inclusion is recognised and embedded across all sectors. 

Digital Inclusion Wales supports organisations to understand the importance of enabling people to be digitally included, to meet the minimum digital living standard, and recognise their role in supporting people to achieve this.

Our grant, launched in winter 2025, focusses on meeting localised needs identified by organisations to support people to engage with digital technology in a safe and confident way. 

Find out more about the Digital Inclusion Wales grant.

Through the 2024 to 2025 National Survey for Wales (sample size 6,000) we know an estimated 4% of people aged 16 and over living in Wales do not personally use the internet. We are working with the National Survey for Wales team to ensure questions related to the minimum digital living standard are included in future National Surveys.

Find internet and media statistics and research in the National Survey for Wales.