Around 6% of UK households do not have access to the internet, stoking fears that millions of Brits could be brushed aside as the country pushes to become an AI powerhouse.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, around 1mln people have been forced to cut back or cancel internet packages because of the soaring costs.
2.4mln people are unable to complete a basic task to access the internet like using a mouse or opening an internet browser, a new report from the communications and digital committee found.
In fact, 5mln UK workers will be under-equipped to perform basic digital skills by 2030.
At that point the AI industry is predicted to be worth US$15.7trl globally, meaning companies could begin to favour AI for jobs rather than humans.
Advancements in the UK AI sector have already started, on Thursday ChatGPT’s founder announced the opening of a new office in London.
Tina Stowell, chair of the committee, has warned that for Britain to grow its tech and AI industry it needs to stamp out the issues of digital exclusion first.
She said: “Tackling digital exclusion isn’t as sexy as searching for the next tech unicorn, but we can’t compete as a global player without getting the basics right.”
To fix this the committee believes basic digital skills should be taught at schools, apprenticeships, adult learning courses, libraries and community venues.
Additionally, it thinks the government should scrap VAT on social internet tariffs and work with service providers to scale up internet voucher schemes.