Digital literacy, sustainable development, and radiation regulation: Policy and information systems implications

This paper explores the convergence of development economics, regulatory policies, and public health considerations within the field of Information Systems (IS) research, focusing specifically on 5G and 6G mobile technologies. Despite the widespread deployment of these technologies and their potential health implications, there is a limited understanding in IS literature on why countries adopt varying thresholds for radiation regulation. Our study, analyzing data from 124 countries, uncovered an inverted U-shaped relationship between digital literacy and the rigidity of radiation regulation. This finding reveals that nations with lower digital literacy levels tend to enforce stricter regulations, whereas those with higher literacy levels adopt more relaxed policies. By highlighting how digital literacy, a critical aspect of the digital divide, significantly influences regulatory frameworks in telecommunications, this study contributes to filling the gap in IS research. This underscores the necessity of informed and transparent regulatory decision making, especially in countries with diverse levels of digital literacy. Calling for a multidisciplinary approach to policy formulation, our work enriches the broader discourse in IS research, underlining the pivotal role of digital literacy in shaping both the access and regulatory landscapes of emerging technologies.