Social Exclusion as Human Insecurity: A Human Cybersecurity Framework Applied to the European High North

Abstract

Digitalisation is changing the way governments provide public services. This has significance for geographically peripheral and sparsely populated regions like the European High North, which is facing challenges associated with an ageing population and labour shortages. A successful transition from traditional to digital services requires adequate digital competence and infrastructure. Without this, rural villages and elderly people in particular are at risk of suffering disadvantage. To address this, we present a cybersecurity framework that combines human security and social exclusion theory. Drawing on key informant interviews conducted in Norway, Sweden and Finland, we show that while digitalisation provides benefits to remote areas, it can also result in digital exclusion. Significant attention must therefore be paid to whose voices and interests shape the current digitalisation agenda.