ACE2EU – Principles, Mission and Values

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, communication technologies have fundamentally changed the way individuals interact, participate and engage in society. This transformation presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for inclusive practices. Recent research highlights the complex interplay between technological progress and social inclusion, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of digital participation barriers and the growing importance of digital media literacy (Helsper, 2008).

The contemporary understanding of digital inclusion has evolved beyond simple access considerations to include broader socio-technical dimensions. Studies show that meaningful digital participation requires not only physical access to technology, but also adequate digital literacy, cultural competence and supportive infrastructure. Socio-economic factors have a significant impact on digital inclusion, with marginalized communities facing disproportionate barriers to effective digital communication and information access (Bailey and Nyabola, 2021).

In this context, digital media literacy has emerged as a crucial component of inclusive digital practices. The proliferation of misinformation and fabricated content necessitates enhanced critical thinking skills and robust verification strategies. Individuals with strong digital media literacy skills are better equipped to navigate online spaces safely and participate meaningfully in digital discourse while protecting themselves from manipulation and false information (Kellner and Share, 2019). Technological innovations have introduced sophisticated solutions for enhancing digital inclusion, including artificial intelligence-powered translation services, adaptive interfaces, and assistive technologies. However, these advancements must be balanced against potential barriers they may inadvertently create. The rise of deep fakes and AI-generated content has further complicated the digital landscape, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training in digital verification skills and critical information assessment.

This challenge interaction between technology, society, and inclusion demands continued research attention and policy development to ensure that digital communication advances serve to bridge rather than widen existing social divides. The integration of media literacy and fake news prevention strategies into digital training programs represents a crucial step toward creating more resilient and informed digital communities.

This BIP is fully aligned with the guidelines lunched by the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation- Align, Act, Accelerate – Research, Technology and Innovation to boost European Competitiveness (EU, 2024)