Senior woman using smart phone at home
Researchers at the University of Liverpool’s Digital Media and Society Institute (DMSI) have played an active role in supporting the UK Government’s flagship digital inclusion strategy, as ministers publish a major one-year progress update.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has released its Digital Inclusion Action Plan: One Year On, outlining progress since the Plan launched in February 2025.
The update highlights significant national progress, including more than one million people supported with connectivity, devices, or digital skills via industry pledges, and over 22,000 devices redistributed through a national reuse scheme.
The DMSI has been closely involved in supporting the Action Plan, working alongside government, industry, and charities. Professor Simeon Yates, Co-Director of DMSI, sits on the government’s Digital Inclusion Action Committee, an expert external advisory body whose role is to scrutinise, steer and help determine the work of the government in reducing digital exclusion.
The DMSI has contributed to key areas of the programme, providing evidence and insights on the affordability of digital access, inclusive digital services and digital ID, and to identify best practices for tackling digital exclusion. DMSI has undertaken research to support the national IT Reuse for Good Charter, with Dr Jeanette D’Arcy contributing to the development of the IT Reuse for Good Charter “playbook” with Good Things Foundation, VodafoneThree and Deloitte. The Institute has also contributed to wider national discussions on media and connectivity, including future TV distribution.
Despite progress, digital exclusion remains a major issue in the UK. Around 1.6 million people still lack any internet access, with many more without the skills or devices needed to fully participate in modern society.
DMSI’s involvement reflects a broader programme of work addressing digital inequality across the UK, including collaborations with regional and devolved governments and the development of a UK Minimum Digital Living Standard.
Professor Yates said “The Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan is the first national policy on this issue in over a decade. Our research is designed to both understand and address a key challenge that ensures the benefits of digital systems are available to all citizens, not only to benefit the economy, but also to ensure they can have a life they value in a digital society. We are really pleased to have a role in this work, to make sure the work of the government and the Digital Action Inclusion Committee is supported by high-quality research and evidence.”
The update emphasises that progress has been driven by collaboration across sectors, with government, businesses, and charities working together to expand access and support.