The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal benefit that helps qualifying low-income households pay for internet service and devices. Since its creation in January 2022, the ACP has grown to help over 22 million U.S. households (roughly one in six Americans) access the internet. More than 36,000 households in… [ Keep reading ]
Much like a New Year’s resolution or a calendar reminder to change the batteries in the smoke detectors on New Year’s Day, Data Privacy Day on January 28 is the perfect prompt for renewed diligence on data privacy. First, Let’s Define Privacy Privacy is a fundamental human right recognized in… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle recognized as a “Visionary” in the Trailblazer program The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named Seattle a 2023 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the City’s efforts to close the digital divide. As the pandemic demonstrated, digital inclusion – access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training – is… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle seeks volunteers to join the Community Technology Advisory Board (CTAB). The 10-member board and its committees help guide city strategies and investments in information and communications technology. CTAB members advise the Seattle Information Technology Department (Seattle IT), the Mayor, and City Council on a range of… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle has released the Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy this week. The final policy comes after a six-month working period with the Generative AI Advisory Team and City employees. The policy takes a principle-based approach to governing the use of Generative AI based on the City’s governing… [ Keep reading ]
Closing the digital divide is challenging work. Connecting the unconnected requires more than just boxes and wires; it requires tailor-made planning to meet the community’s needs. The City of Seattle’s Digital Equity team has been working to meet those needs for over 25 years. In the past few months, they… [ Keep reading ]
The last virtual information session for the 2024 Digital Equity Grant application process will be held Thursday, November 2, from 5 – 6 p.m. Details on how to join the virtual session are below. Digital grant team members will review grant guidelines, applications, and review criteria. The final day to… [ Keep reading ]
As the leaves begin to turn colors, and the days get darker and a bit drizzlier, it can only mean that the holidays are approaching. And with the holidays and family merriment come the inevitable scams which tend to run parallel. Many of these fraud attempts seek to manipulate the… [ Keep reading ]
In honor of Digital Inclusion Week, October 2-6, City of Seattle Digital Equity staff members partnered with InterConnection, a non-profit organization that refurbishes computers to help connect underserved individuals to vital technology, to give Eritrean Association in Greater Seattle laptops. These laptops will be used by community members for digital… [ Keep reading ]
Findings suggest that Technology Matching Fund programs are making a real difference in closing the digital divide for Seattle residents.
