For many Belgians, digitalisation is taking place far too quickly. A recent study by the King Boudewijn Foundation shows that 4 out of 10 Belgians have insufficient knowledge of digital platforms and the same number are either don't use or are unable to use the internet at all.
Those affected are generally people from the lower income brackets and/or those with a low level of academic attainment. Older people in particular feel left behind by the rapid advance of digitalisation and are often no longer able to keep up, the King Boudewijn Foundation's study on digital inclusion found.
The number of households with Internet access has risen from 92% three years ago to 95% today, but many people in Belgium limit their internet use to going online using a smartphone. They do not use a computer and in many cases do not have a PC or laptop at their disposal.
This this makes communicating with public bodies for example, much more complicated for them. Furthermore, the study found that that they also feel less confident and secure about making bank transactions digitally.
In light of the results of its study, the King Boudewijn Foundation is calling on public bodies and banks to retain a physical presence so that those that are unwilling or unable to do their business online are still able to do it over the counter.
Meanwhile, the study also found that courses on how to use the internet that are offered by social not-for-profit groups have become increasingly popular.