The internet isn’t safe or inclusive for older adults, writes Kerry Kingham. It’s time to change that.

The internet was once hailed the great equaliser. It promised connection and opportunity for all. Yet for older adults, things are not as equal as they may seem. This generation arguably needs digital tools the most, yet older Australians are being systematically excluded through a combination of design oversights, lack of education and continued exploitation.

Older adults are one of the fastest-growing demographics online. In fact, in 2022, 68 per cent of Australians aged 65 and over used the internet, according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

This is a huge jump from previous years and while it’s certainly reflective of our older Aussies’ increasing digital engagement, it’s not the whole story. For many older adults, the online world is far from inclusive. The two biggest barriers facing them? Cybersecurity risks and a lack of accessibility.

According to ACCC’s Scamwatch, in 2023, Australians over 65 lost more than $120 million to scams.

This group is disproportionately targeted by phishing attempts and fraud because of their lack of familiarity with technology, and their tendency to be more trusting and less skeptical about their digital interactions.

With the rise of AI, these numbers will rise as it becomes increasingly difficult to differentiate real human interactions and sophisticated AI-generated........

© InDaily