Language

English has long been established as the de facto language of the internet, but the majority of internet users — including the overwhelming majority of NIUs — are not native English speakers.

This has become a barrier for many NIUs who struggle to make sense of content online, as well as text in user interfaces and operating systems. Phones, for example, almost always come with English as the default language, and if or when an NIU discovers how to switch that default to their own language, frustration can still arise because most internet content is in English.

When this happens, NIUs are prone to experiencing an internet that’s almost irrelevant to them — an unfamiliar environment that doesn’t seem created with them in mind. For most new and novice users, this could be where engagement falls, learning stops, and the value of the internet diminishes.

In light of these challenges with language, NIUs have been turning to voice tools, where they can speak in their own language to search the internet or hear content being read back to them in a language they understand. Voice has become a critical enabler for NIUs to navigate the internet and we need to make sure voice products are intuitive and helpful. (See Voice).

We can also do more to address the language pain point for NIUs. At Google, we are working to expand the availability of languages online. Google Translate, for example, supports offline translation in at least nine widely used languages in India. Gboard, which allows voice typing, supports more than 900 languages, including over 100 languages spoken in NBU countries. With Google Assistant, users can say, “Hey Google, read it” or “Hey Google, read this page” for Google Assistant to read the text on their screen aloud and even translate it into more than 40 different languages. For NIUs who struggle with reading and literacy, these features have tremendous potential to provide access where none was possible before.

Just as language is a vital part of human connection, it’s also key to ensuring access to information and communication, both of which are increasingly available online. The challenge then – for content producers, designers, and developers and the larger ecosystem – is to begin with inclusion in mind and create a multilingual internet that will benefit everyone, everywhere.

Access

Internet access is a basic human right. But the goal of providing equitable and inclusive internet access to everyone remains unmet.

Building inclusive products

Conducting user research, whether it’s on-the-ground or virtual, helps designers better understand the people they aim to serve.

Content

Everyone should be able to find the info they need online, but not everyone can. Find out why.

Designing for confidence

Inclusive digital design can help novice internet users grow their digital confidence.

Ecosystems

Everybody who works in tech can help create a more inclusive, equitable internet for everyone, everywhere.

Financial inclusion

Financial inclusion goes beyond financial access. It’s about empowering, creating opportunities, and accelerating progress.

Growth in Africa

The growth of Africa’s internet economy will shape how everyone uses the internet in the future.

Hardware

The next billion internet users are mobile-first or mobile-only, which makes their smartphone a key part of their digital experience.

Immersion

Teams who immerse themselves in the communities they aim to reach are more likely to build successful products.

Jobs

Tech has the potential to fundamentally change the way employers and job-seekers interact in every kind of market.

Knowledge

It’s the tech community’s responsibility to support novice internet users as they learn how to be online.

Language

Most internet content is published in English. Learn how tech innovations are changing that.

Motorcycle Mode in Maps

Built for the next billion users, Motorcycle Mode in Google Maps shows how developers Google can improve existing services to meet evolving user needs.

Navigating a smartphone

From tapping, to pinching, to swiping, and more—developers can help unlock the value of a smartphone.

Optimizing for Offline

Novice internet users can better access the benefits of the internet with offline capabilities and “lite” versions of apps.

Privacy

We’re developing new ways to protect people’s privacy when they share devices with friends and family.

Questions

It’s our responsibility to help answer the questions of novice internet users—so they’re empowered when they go online.

Reality vs Perception

We’re helping educate novice internet users in order to prevent misconceptions and empower people when they spend time online.

Google Search is a key part of a novice internet user’s experience—providing access to everything from news, medical services, recipes, entertainment, and more.

Teaching

Novice internet users often learn how to use the internet and their smartphones through their friends and family. Learn more about their experiences.

Upboarding

Many novice internet users don’t know common digital symbols and functions. Upboarding helps grow digital literacy by meeting users where they are.

Voice

Developing enhancements for voice tools can help grow the internet and bring more people around the world online.

Women

The barriers women face are disproportionately higher compared to their male counterparts. We have the opportunity to empower women and help close the gap.