Digital Inequalities, E-Waste, & Right-to Repair

Digital Inequalities Photo

Digital inequalities, e-Waste, and Right-to-Repair are three policy sectors informing device access.

How can government policy handle computer ownership?

Though the government has long played a key role in promoting internet and computing access, a review of U.S. and international legislation reveals an emphasis on internet access over other factors necessary for holistic digital connectedness, such as device access and digital skills training. 

Digitunity commissioned leading expert Amy Gonzales, an Associate Professor of the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara, to highlight government legislation from around the globe that primarily informs personal ownership of computing devices.

This original report provides information to identify policies that practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and other digital opportunity practitioners might target to optimize computer access over the coming decades. Register below. Then, click the download button to receive a PDF copy of the report.

Download the Digital Inequalities, E-Waste, & Right-to Repair Report

An open laptop on a desk next to papers and shelves; overlaid text shows a research report on digital inequalities, e-waste, and right-to-repair by Amy L. Gonzales, April 2022.

Other Recent Posts

Group of students and staff posing indoors in front of a UAM College of Technology–McGehee banner and table display, several holding bright green tote bags, with a green school mascot standing behind them.

UAM-CTM Launches Digital Literacy Program to Expand Computer Ownership in Southeast Arkansas

On January 21, the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology–McGehee (UAM-CTM) and the UAM Adult Education Center officially launched the UAM Digital Literacy Program, a new initiative designed to expand computer access and strengthen digital skills for adult learners across southeast Arkansas. The program is part of the 3 Southern States Connected Communities Program, a regional effort led by Digitunity and AT&T to address persistent technology barriers in underserved and rural communities. Through

Person sitting at a laptop during a telehealth appointment with a masked healthcare worker on screen, while holding and filling out a health insurance form

32.9 Million People Can’t Access Critical US Government Services Due to Lack of a Computer

For the 1 in 10 people in the United States who don’t own a computer, accessing government services has become increasingly difficult. As services move increasingly online, residents without a computer and reliable internet service are locked out of essential systems. Tasks that were once handled in person now assume access to digital tools that many individuals simply do not have. Federal Policy Accelerates the Digital Shift Federal policy is accelerating this shift. The 21st

The DigITunity logo features the word "DIGITUNITY" with stylized arcs connecting the letters "I" in black and red and a registered trademark symbol.

Digitunity Announces New Officers and Welcomes New Board Members

Effective January 2026, Digitunity is delighted to introduce new Officers to its Board of Directors. These leadership transitions reflect the Board’s unwavering dedication to building and strengthening the infrastructure needed to ensure computer ownership is possible for all. New Board Officers President Allison Strobel, Executive Director, Hoboken Public Education Vice President Steven Nickel, Google Treasurer Matt Zimmer, Close the Loop Thank You to Outgoing President Jeremy Hegle Digitunity extends deep gratitude to Jeremy Hegle of

Translate »

The need for computers has never been greater.​ Sign up for our newsletter.