The challenge of digital literacy in Brazil

Digital literacy has become one of Brazil's greatest challenges on the path to social and economic inclusion. In a world where technology permeates every sphere of life, the lack of digital skills not only excludes millions of Brazilians from educational and employment opportunities but also leaves them vulnerable to misinformation and cyber risks. 

The portrait of digital literacy in Brazil 

A survey conducted by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) in 2024 revealed that only 301 TP3T of the Brazilian population possessed basic digital skills, while only 181 TP3T reached an intermediate level of proficiency. The data exposes a worrying reality: most Brazilians find it difficult to perform simple tasks in the digital environment, such as accessing online public services, using internet security tools, or distinguishing reliable information from fake news. 

Infrastructure and training 

Poor infrastructure, especially in rural and peripheral regions, is one of the main obstacles to the expansion of digital literacy in the country. According to the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br), in its 2024 study, approximately 351,000 Brazilian households still lack adequate access to quality internet. Furthermore, the lack of educational programs focused on digital literacy prevents students and teachers from acquiring the skills necessary to navigate the digital environment productively and safely. 

The digitalization 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. 

The National Common Curricular Base (BNCC), through CNE/CEB Opinion No. 2/2022, established clear parameters for teaching computing and technology in basic education. The document guides schools to develop curricula that include digital skills such as computational thinking, ethical use of technology, and problem-solving, starting in the early years of elementary school. 

Furthermore, the recently enacted Law No. 15.100/2025 regulates the use of electronic devices in classrooms, prohibiting the indiscriminate use of cell phones but permitting their pedagogical use under teacher supervision. The measure seeks to balance discipline and innovation, allowing digital technologies to be integrated into teaching for educational purposes. 

Personalized learning is one of the most promising strategies in this context. Using data analytics to adapt learning to students' individual needs has demonstrated significant gains in digital literacy. In the state of 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 older adults. To address this issue, Bill 4263/24 was introduced in the Chamber of Deputies in March 2025, proposing the creation of the National Digital Literacy Program for Older Adults. The initiative aims to empower this segment of the population and reduce their vulnerability to digital challenges. 

Ongoing initiatives 

Several initiatives are being implemented to mitigate digital literacy challenges in Brazil. Programs such as Telecentros, which offer free internet access and technology training courses, have played a crucial role in democratizing access to technology. The Acessa São Paulo Program is another example of an initiative that aims to provide infrastructure and digital training for vulnerable communities. 

In this context, digital platforms like Britannica Escola, from Britannica Education, emerge as strategic allies. Aimed at elementary and high school students, the platform promotes the development of competencies and skills aligned with the BNCC (Brazilian National Curricular Framework), serving as a complementary tool to curricular teaching.  

In Minas Gerais, the partnership between the State Department of Education (SEE/MG) and Britannica Education already benefits more than 1.6 million students in the state school system. The project also provides a digital educational collection containing tens of thousands of articles, as well as more than 3 million images and videos focused on education, with image rights cleared. 

To ensure that teachers can use this collection effectively, 30 teachers from the School of Professional Training and Development for Educators at the State of Minas Gerais (SEE/MG) participated in a training course in August 2024. Additionally, Britannica Education is developing content focused on Minas Gerais culture, enriching the educational material and making it more engaging for students. 

Future advances 

The expansion of digital literacy in Brazil depends on increased public and private investment, the training of educators, and the creation of programs that reach marginalized populations. Ensuring that all Brazilians have basic digital skills is a fundamental step toward 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 can become a model of digital inclusion and prepare its population for the challenges and opportunities of the information age.