Digital literacy has become one of Brazil’s major challenges on the path to social and economic inclusion. In a world where technology permeates all spheres of life, the lack of digital skills not only excludes millions of Brazilians from education and employment opportunities but also makes them vulnerable to misinformation and cyber risks.
The portrait of digital literacy in Brazil
A 2024 survey conducted by Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) revealed that only 30% of the Brazilian population possesses basic digital skills, while just 18% have reached an intermediate level of proficiency. The data exposes a concerning reality: most Brazilians struggle with simple digital tasks such as accessing online public services, using internet security tools, or distinguishing reliable information from fake news.
Infrastructure and training
Inadequate infrastructure, especially in rural and peripheral regions, is one of the main obstacles to expanding digital literacy in the country. According to the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) in its 2024 study, about 35% of Brazilian households still lack proper access to quality internet. Additionally, the absence of educational programs focused on digital training prevents students and teachers from acquiring the necessary skills to navigate the digital environment productively and safely.
The digitization of public and private services has made digital literacy an essential skill for citizenship. In 2024, the Ministry of Communications reinforced the need to expand digital training to reduce inequalities.
Through Document CNE/CEB No. 2/2022, the National Common Curriculum Base (BNCC) established clear parameters for teaching computing and technology in basic education. The document guides schools to develop curricula that include digital competencies such as computational thinking, ethical technology use, and problem-solving from the early years of elementary education.
Moreover, the recently enacted Law No. 15.100/2025 regulates the use of electronic devices in classrooms, prohibiting the indiscriminate use of cell phones while allowing their educational use under teacher supervision. The measure aims to balance discipline and innovation, enabling digital technologies to be integrated into teaching for educational purposes.
Personalized learning is one of the most promising strategies in this context. The use of data analysis to adapt learning to students’ individual needs has shown significant gains in digital literacy. In São Paulo, for example, adaptive platforms are being tested to identify specific deficiencies and offer tailored solutions.
Another critical issue is the digital exclusion of the elderly. To address this problem, Bill 4263/24 was introduced in the Chamber of Deputies in March 2025, proposing the creation of a National Digital Literacy Program for the Elderly. The initiative aims to train this population segment and reduce their vulnerability to digital challenges.
Ongoing initiatives
Several actions are being implemented to mitigate Brazil’s digital literacy challenges. Programs like Telecenters, which offer free internet access and technology training courses, have played a crucial role in democratizing technology access. The Acessa São Paulo Program is another example of an initiative providing infrastructure and digital training to vulnerable communities.
In this context, digital platforms like Britannica School from Britannica Education emerge as strategic allies. Targeted at elementary and high school students, the platform promotes the development of competencies aligned with the BNCC, serving as a complementary tool to the curricular education.
In Minas Gerais, the partnership between the State Department of Education (SEE/MG) and Britannica Education already benefits over 1.6 million state school students. Additionally, the project provides an educational digital collection containing tens of thousands of articles, plus over 3 million images and videos for education, with released image rights.
To ensure teachers can use this collection effectively, 30 educators from SEE/MG’s Teacher Training and Professional Development School participated in training in August 2024. Furthermore, Britannica Education is developing content focused on Minas Gerais culture, enriching educational materials and making them more appealing to students.
Future progress
Expanding digital literacy in Brazil depends on more public and private investments, educator training, and programs reaching marginalized populations. Ensuring all Brazilians have basic digital skills is a fundamental step to reducing social inequalities, fostering the digital economy, and strengthening democracy in times of misinformation.
The transition to a digitally literate country is a challenge but also an opportunity. If the right policies are implemented, Brazil could become an example of digital inclusion and prepare its population for the challenges and opportunities of the information age.
