Larry Irving

In the following viewpoint, Larry Irving asserts that the Information Revolution has led to a digital divide—the divide between those who have access to computers and the Internet and those who do not. Irving contends that although the overall number of Americans with computers and Internet access has increased, the gap between people who have access to these technologies and those who do not continues to grow. According to Irving, minorities, rural households, low-income families, and senior citizens are significantly less likely than their white, younger, and urban counterparts to use electronic services. He concludes that the digital divide will continue to grow unless the government implements policies designed to improve access to all Americans. Irving is assistant secretary for communications, and information administrator for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration...