The Minimum Digital Living Standard

The Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS) is a new benchmark for digital inclusion at a household level. It was developed through a collaboration, led by the University of Liverpool, Loughborough University, Good Things Foundation, and informed by a survey of over 1,500 households across the UK. The MDLS requires:
• accessible internet
• adequate equipment
• and the skills, knowledge and support people need.
It is about being able to communicate, connect and engage with opportunities safely and with confidence.

At its launch, Dr Emma Stone, Director of Evidence and Engagement at Good Things Foundation said, “For the first time, we have a benchmark – defined by the public – about what families think is ‘enough’ to feel included in our digital society today. It tells us what families need to know, do, and be able to afford. The fact that over 4 in 10 households are below the MDLS has profound implications for families and society. Politicians need to heed this and act. This is about poverty and opportunity. It is about fixing the digital divide.”

Now, on Safer Internet Day (11th February 2025), they have launched a new animation, explaining why the MDLS helps us to understand what people need, and who is at risk of falling below the standard. By understanding where people struggle to reach the standard, it helps community activists, policy makers and service providers to understand who needs help and how to help them.

To find out more about the Minimum Digital Living Standard click here.

Or you can watch the video below.