The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how digital connectivity is fast becoming the global metric of inclusion and exclusion with 2.9 billion people still offline. The digital divide, notably the lack of affordable broadband internet and appropriate digital skills, have prevented many people, especially the most vulnerable, from working or studying from home during the crisis. Remarkably, one in three children missed out on remote learning when COVID-19 shuttered schools with students in countries with low human development disproportionately affected. Notably, the digital divide is also harmful to civil society and activists. Trapped offline, their ability to advocate for change in key areas like climate action is stifled.