n recent times, the suspension of popular digital platforms has increasingly been used by governments, particularly in developing countries, as a tool for greater political control. India banned TikTok and other apps amid geopolitical tensions; Nigeria suspended Twitter (now X) after deleting a presidential tweet; and Turkey imposed strict regulations forcing social media companies to establish local offices. While often justified by concerns for “public order,” these actions lead to a range of direct and indirect consequences. One of the most significant impacts is the exacerbation of the digital divide — a term describing the gap between those having access to modern information and communication technology and those lacking it. The suspension of the platform X in Pakistan is a prime example of how such policies can widen this divide, affecting education, economic opportunity and social mobility.

The educational disparities highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic had already set the stage for a deeper understanding of the digital divide. Students in urban areas with stable internet connections and access to digital devices could continue their education relatively uninterrupted. In contrast, those in rural or impoverished regions were left floundering as schools closed. Platform X and similar social media tools had begun to bridge this gap somewhat. By suspending these platforms, we risk not only a setback in educational equity but also a generational gap in digital literacy, which is increasingly recognised as critical to civic participation.

Platform suspensions hit the less affluent and rural areas, where resources and digital and media literacies are often lacking, particularly hard. While users in urban centres might have the option to circumvent these suspensions using VPNs (virtual private networks), this workaround isn’t as feasible for their rural counterparts. VPNs, which can mask a user’s internet footprint to bypass restrictions, typically require a stable internet connection to function effectively. In rural areas, where connectivity is already poor, the additional bandwidth required to operate VPNs can further degrade the quality of the connection, making it practically unusable. This disparity not only limits access to information but also deepens the digital divide, reinforcing the educational and social inequities between urban and rural populations.

This issue is further compounded by the fact that government officials and those in power often continue to use these platforms via VPNs, as they usually have access to superior internet infrastructure. This creates a significant disconnect between the authorities and the general populace, particularly those in disenfranchised areas. While officials can continue their digital interactions and dissemination of information unhindered, ordinary citizens, especially in less connected regions, are left at a disadvantage, unable to access critical information and participate in ongoing conversations. This not only widens the digital divide but also raises questions about fairness and equality in access to digital resources and information.

The focus of government policies should shift from control to inclusion. As opposed to limiting or restricting access, emphasis should be on the expansion of digital infrastructure and access.

The economic implications of a widening digital divide could be profound. In an increasingly digitised world, access to digital platforms is essential, not just a convenience. For example, small businesses that relied on platform X to connect with customers now find themselves either completely cut off or significantly hindered in accessing the digital marketplace. The suspension also poses a significant risk to social mobility. In a society where upward mobility is constrained by various socio-economic barriers, access to digital tools can provide a vital lifeline. Digital platforms often serve as spaces for networking, skill development and looking for employment opportunities that might not be available locally. Removing these tools can freeze social mobility, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

The digital divide does not impact all demographics equally. Research has shown that women and marginalised communities are more likely to be adversely affected by digital inequity. In Pakistan, where societal norms and other factors can restrict women’s participation in the public sphere, digital platforms can offer a space for engagement and expression that is otherwise inaccessible. Curtailing these opportunities threatens to reinforce traditional barriers to gender and social equality.

What is required, then, is a complete revamping of this “ban-wagon” style of digital governance. The focus of government policies should shift from control to inclusion. As opposed to limiting or restricting access, the emphasis should be on the expansion of digital infrastructure and access. Such policies must be comprehensive, addressing not just the availability of services and connectivity but also affordability and digital literacy to truly bridge the digital divide. Simultaneously, information literacy initiatives must be ramped up to ensure that more citizens can navigate the digital world effectively and safely.

While the suspension of platform X may have been motivated by concerns over misinformation, the broader implications of such decisions can be catastrophic, especially considering that Pakistan is a budding digital economy. The risk of widening the digital divide presents a formidable challenge to societal progress, one that can have lasting impacts on education, economic stability and social equality. It is imperative that moving forward, digital policies foster inclusiveness and bridge divides rather than deepening them. This approach not only aligns with the principles of a free and open society but also ensures that the benefits of digital advancement are shared equitably among all citizens.

The writer is the director and founder of Media Matters for Democracy. He writes on media and digital freedoms, media sustainability and countering misinformation