Everything only online now? Data protection laments digital coercion - Germany’s digital divide leaves millions struggling with essential public services
Hesse’s Data Protection Commissioner, Alexander Roßnagel, has warned about the risks of rising 'digital coercion' in everyday life. He highlights how essential services—from parking to medical care—are increasingly shifting online, leaving some people behind. His call comes as more public systems abandon analog options entirely.
Between four and five percent of German adults have no internet access, while around 18 percent do not own a smartphone. Roßnagel stresses that these gaps create serious barriers, particularly for older people, those with disabilities, or individuals who cannot afford technology.
Many services now demand digital participation. Parking fees, for example, are often payable only through apps, shutting out those without smartphones. Medical appointments, especially with specialists, frequently require app-based bookings, forcing users to share sensitive health data with third parties. To tackle the issue, Roßnagel proposes setting up 'digital assistance hubs' in citizen service centres. He also suggests appointing 'digital help coordinators' in nursing homes to support residents. Another key recommendation is involving disadvantaged groups directly in designing digital services. This approach, called participatory design, would bring users, developers, and experts in inclusion, social work, and accessibility together from the start. Roßnagel warns that without action, digital exclusion will deepen with every new wave of technology. He insists that essential public services must keep analog alternatives to prevent marginalisation.
The shift toward digital-only services risks excluding millions who lack access or skills. Roßnagel’s proposals aim to ensure that public systems remain usable for everyone. Without changes, entire social groups could face even greater difficulties in daily life.
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