What is e-Inclusion?

e-Inclusion stands for digital integration, i.e. participation by all in the information society in Switzerland.

Information and communication technologies (ICT) occupy an important place in modern life. More and more people live and work in digitally networked environments. They increasingly use computers, the internet or mobile communications in various aspects of their lives - at work, in public life or in their leisure time.

At present, not everyone can benefit equally from the advantages of ICT. There are people who do not have access to the new media or who have not yet been able to learn how to use communication technologies. This is where e-Inclusion or digital integration comes in: these people should be supported by targeted projects and initiatives so that they can use ICT for their benefit and personal development.

To achieve this, the "Digital Integration Switzerland" national network was founded in 2007. (LINK)

The members of the network jointly drew up an Action Plan. This was updated in 2012: e-Inclusion Action Plan 2012-2015 (see box).

The Action Plan also forms part of the implementation activities in relation to the Federal Council's strategy of March 2012 for an information society in Switzerland. As one of its principles for action, the latter provides for equal opportunities, according to which the deployment of ICT should always take account of the needs of potentially disadvantaged groups in Switzerland. (See box).