Pandemics and emergent digital inequalities

Abstract

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly apparent that a public health crisis exposes underlying inequalities in society. This commentary focuses on emergent digital inequalities in Aotearoa New Zealand, noting the accelerated use of digital tools and technologies such as smartphone applications, online maps and vaccination booking websites during the pandemic. It argues that there is a need to address both the underlying population inequalities and the associated digital inequalities that have arisen during the pandemic.