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 is accelerating this shift. The 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA) and recent guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) direct agencies to establish a “digital-first public experience.” Agencies are required to digitize services and forms, expand the use of electronic signatures, and maximize self-service transactions.
At the same time, the federal government is also transitioning exclusively to electronic payments, ending the issuance of paper checks. The IRS states that electronic direct deposit is the fastest and safest way for individuals to receive a tax refund, and that the agency is phasing out paper checks for taxpayers. This shift makes digital access to an online bank account a necessity to receive and view payments.
The article goes on to give examples of times when an email address or access to a computer is required. Examples include Veterans and Essential Services Move Online and Education and Public Access Challenges.