The realm of digital technology is witnessing a dramatic shift, as evidenced by the latest findings from the Australian Digital Inclusion Index. This report reveals a noteworthy phenomenon: nearly half of Australians have recently engaged with generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This surge in productivity and creativity presents both a range of opportunities and significant challenges concerning the concepts of digital inclusion and access to technology. The implications of these findings are profound and merit careful examination, particularly as we consider the evolving landscape of personal and societal technology use.
In a clear demonstration of generative AI’s appeal, students reported the highest usage rates among all demographics, with a striking 79% indicating that they had utilized such tools recently. This trend indicates a growing acceptance of AI technologies within educational settings, highlighting the potential for AI to enrich learning experiences. Meanwhile, 69% of adults aged 18 to 34 also reported engaging with generative AI, suggesting that younger generations are increasingly comfortable navigating and exploring these innovative tools in their daily lives. As a society, we stand on the precipice of a new digital age, where AI can enhance our capabilities and enable us to accomplish more than ever before.
The overall statistic that reveals 46% of Australians have engaged with generative AI is certainly indicative of a changing digital landscape. However, it is essential to delve deeper into the demographic nuances behind this figure. Notably, individuals residing in remote areas displayed a remarkable proclivity for utilizing AI chatbots as a means for social connection and conversational engagement. This inclination is double that of their urban counterparts, perhaps hinting at the dual function of technology as a lifeline for those who may feel isolated due to geographic constraints. The juxtaposition of suburban and metropolitan experiences highlights the gaps rather than bridging them, underscoring a crucial point about the access and use of technology across different socio-geographic regions.
Interestingly, speaking a non-English language at home is positively correlated with higher generative AI usage. This finding—59% of people who speak another language at home reported using AI tools compared to just 41% of English-only speakers—suggests that advancements in AI-powered translation services are breaking down barriers for non-English speakers. This widening access means that generative AI could serve as a bridge, facilitating communication and understanding among diverse populations while simultaneously affirming the needs of a multicultural society. These advancements open up exciting possibilities for individuals who may have previously struggled to gain access to necessary services and information.
However, the positive implications of generative AI are tempered by considerations regarding its accessibility for people with disabilities. Approximately one-third of individuals in this demographic have utilized generative AI technologies. It appears to be a growing resource for those seeking entertainment or advice, although the effectiveness of these technologies varies significantly depending on individual needs and the specific functions of the AI tools. The integration of generative AI into daily life can offer invaluable assistance, yet it is crucial to ensure that these systems are inclusive and able to cater to a diverse range of abilities.
The Chief Investigator for the study, Distinguished Professor Julian Thomas from RMIT University, expressed a nuanced perspective on the development and integration of generative AI. He acknowledges that while AI could produce significant benefits for society, the technology must be deployed equitably to avoid exacerbating existing divides. This highlights the reality of digital inequity—those with lower digital skills may find themselves at a greater disadvantage, facing heightened risks from scams, misleading information, and invasive data practices. As generative AI and security technologies evolve rapidly, there exists an imperative for all users to continually update their digital skills.
Even amid the promise of improved access to technology, the Australian Digital Inclusion Index indicates that barriers are far from fully resolved. The index measures not only access to technology but also the skill level required to use these digital tools effectively. A collaboration involving the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology, and Telstra strives to address these disparities. According to recent data, the confidence and capabilities of Australians in their use of digital technology have risen, with an impressive 8.7-point increase measured between 2023 and 2025. However, the journey toward complete digital inclusion remains fraught with challenges.
Significant improvements in digital literacy were particularly noted among older Australians, as evidenced by an increase in their digital ability scores from 23.3 to 41.5 among individuals aged 75 and above. This development signifies positive changes but serves as a reminder that large segments of the population still experience substantial barriers, especially for older generations, people living in remote communities, and those facing social and economic disadvantages. The implications of digital exclusion extend beyond mere inconvenience; they can cut individuals off from essential services in health, education, and employment—areas that hinge more than ever on tech-driven solutions.
The report reveals a stark divide in digital inclusion between urban and regional Australia. Typically, inner metropolitan areas exhibit the highest levels of tech access, while the continent’s more remote locales languish behind. Individuals in regions like Tasmania, South Australia, and Queensland confront lower access scores compared to the national average, revealing an urgent need for targeted interventions. The Northern Territory, in particular, grapples with significant challenges regarding digital connectivity. This disparity highlights the responsibility of policymakers, businesses, and educational institutions alike to address these systemic inequities strategically.
Efforts by companies like Telstra resonate powerfully in these discussions. The telecommunications giant emphasizes the importance of using data derived from the Digital Inclusion Index to enact tangible support for the individuals and communities most in need. Telstra’s Connected Future 30 strategy sets an ambitious goal of enhancing digital inclusion for one million Australians by FY2030. Aiming to address barriers faced by those living in regions like the Northern Territory, South Australia, or Tasmania remains a critical focus of their efforts. With a collective commitment to bridging the digital divide, industry players can have a profound impact on driving forward reformative changes in regional digital landscapes.
Moreover, examination of access constraints reveals an alarming truth: many low-income households cannot afford internet services, forcing them to rely on prepaid mobile options for connectivity. This dependency generates a cycle of digital exclusion that prevents full participation in the modern economy, highlighting the need for affordable and reliable internet access. Public housing residents, individuals lacking secondary school education, and people with disabilities face the most substantial hurdle in securing access to vital digital services, exemplifying the nuances that exist within the broader narrative of digital inclusion.
Additionally, a noteworthy affordability gap illustrates the challenges that First Nations individuals encounter in Australia. An astonishing 13-point difference in access to technology between First Nations people and the rest of the Australian population showcases the urgency of addressing these disparities through targeted social initiatives. As awareness of these digital gaps increases, the anticipated data from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, set to be released in December, may provide greater insight into the digital divides experienced by First Nations Australians, fostering discourse that could lead to meaningful change.
In summary, the Australian Digital Inclusion Index serves as both a litmus test and a call to action in examining the state of digital access across the nation. As technological innovation continues at an unprecedented pace, it becomes imperative that generative AI and related technologies are promoted equitably to harness their full potential for everyone. The findings present a compelling landscape where opportunities coexist with risks, inviting us to remain vigilant and engaged in the ongoing conversation surrounding digital inclusivity. The dialogue must center around ensuring that as we advance technologically, we do not leave any segment of society behind.
Through sustained effort and collaboration among academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and communities, we can move towards a future where digital access is a universal right rather than a privilege. The evolving digital landscape illustrates both the power of collective action and the necessity for ongoing advocacy in championing digital equity for all Australians.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Measuring Australia’s Digital Divide: 2025 Australian Digital Inclusion Index
News Publication Date: 5-Nov-2025
Web References: DOI: 10.60836/mtsq-at22
References: Not Applicable
Image Credits: Credit: RMIT University
Keywords
Communications
Telecommunications
Satellite communications
Digital data
Information technology
Age groups
Social surveys
Sociological data
Social research
Tags: AI tools in educationchallenges of digital accessdigital divide in Australiadigital inclusion index Australiafuture of digital technology in Australiagenerational technology usage trendsgenerative artificial intelligence adoptionimplications of AI in daily lifeproductivity and creativity with AIsocietal impact of AI technologiestechnology accessibility issuesyouth engagement with technology
