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By silicon.com, 13 May 2003 15:39

COMMENT The kind-hearted folks over at Whitehall today launched a campaign aimed at tackling the so-called 'digital divide' by encouraging the elderly, disabled, ethnic minorities and unemployed youngsters to take advantage of free internet access and tuition at around 8,000 centres around the UK. Both DTI minister Patricia Hewitt and the government's e-Envoy, Andrew Pinder, trotted out the government line that it is vital the internet becomes a tool for social inclusion rather than the exclusive preserve of white middle class, middle-income Britain. And, make no mistake, it is a worthy line. John Low, chief executive of the Royal National Institute for the Deaf described the internet as "critical" for deaf people, who become the equal of hearing people in both the workplace and at home when using things like chat rooms and instant messaging. Just 15 per cent of people aged 65 and over have even tried accessing the internet and so, unsurprisingly, Age Concern is another of the voluntary sector organisations behind the campaign. The elderly – or 'people in later life' as Age Concern says they prefer to be called – are increasingly becoming an affluent and active part of society, with much to contribute after retirement. And they can use the internet just like the rest of us. Witness two old dears at the Bethnal Green UK Online Centre today at the launch booking their holiday on the internet. But while all this makes for convenient sound-bites and photo opportunities it is vital that the momentum is kept up once the free access promotion finishes at the end of June. And if anything useful in the longer-term is to come out of it then key issues of affordability of PC equipment and internet access still need to addressed as well - and not just for the 'disadvantaged' in society but the rest of the general public and UK businesses. Beyond the slick launch today broadband access and cost in the UK is still way behind other countries and just last week the Countryside Alliance confirmed that rural businesses are still being hurt by this gaping digital divide.