ICTs

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) refer to the broad set of information processing, storage, transmission, and display technologies used to handle information and enable communication. ICTs encompass a wide range of devices, networks, software, and services that support the creation, retrieval, dissemination, manipulation, and storage of information.

ICTs include information technology (IT)—computing, software, databases, and digital content—and communications technology, such as telecommunications networks, broadcasting, mobile networks, and the Internet. The convergence of these elements has enabled integrated services, cloud computing, and ubiquitous connectivity.

Historically, ICTs emerged from developments in computing and telecommunication infrastructures and matured with the Internet and mobile networks. Key shifts include the rise of personal computers, the commercialization of the Internet, broadband access, and the widespread deployment of smartphones and cloud-based services, which together expanded access to information and communication.

Applications of ICTs span education, health, business, government, media, and everyday life. They enable online learning, electronic health records, digital government services, e-commerce, data analytics, and digital media production. In public life, ICTs support governance, transparency, and citizen participation, while in business they enable automation, collaboration, and new service models.

Impacts include productivity gains, economic development, improved access to information, and social inclusion, but also concerns about privacy, cybersecurity, digital literacy, and the digital divide between urban and rural or affluent and low-income populations. Policy considerations focus on infrastructure investment, affordable access, skills development, data protection, interoperability, and appropriate regulation to foster innovation while protecting users.

Future ICT development is often linked to ongoing advances in wireless networks, cloud and edge computing, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and enhanced digital services.