As many organisations remove physical access to services opting instead for online alternatives can you give me examples of how this can exclude people from completing essential tasks

- No internet access: People in rural areas or low-income households who lack broadband or reliable mobile data cannot access online services (e.g., apply for benefits, file taxes, book healthcare appointments). - Lack of devices: Those without smartphones, tablets, or computers (elderly, homeless) cannot use digital-only platforms to complete tasks like renewing IDs or submitting documents. - Digital literacy gaps: Older adults, people with limited education, or those new to technology may be unable to navigate websites, online forms, or security steps required for banking, benefits, or medical portals. - Disability barriers: Websites or apps that aren’t accessible to screen readers, keyboard-only users, or people with cognitive impairments prevent tasks such as arranging social care, voting, or accessing legal help. (See WCAG accessibility standards.) - Language and literacy limits: Non-native speakers and low-literacy users struggle with complex online instructions for immigration forms, tax filings, or welfare claims. - Identity verification hurdles: Digital ID systems that require smartphone cameras, biometric scans, or third-party apps can block people without appropriate devices or technical confidence from opening bank accounts or receiving government services. - Intermittent power/connectivity: People in crisis situations or areas with frequent outages cannot rely on continuous online access to manage urgent tasks like prescription refills or emergency benefits. - Trust and privacy concerns: Survivors of domestic abuse, undocumented migrants, or those wary of surveillance may avoid online systems that require personal data, preventing access to housing, legal aid, or healthcare. References: World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines; UK Government Digital Exclusion research; Pew Research Center reports on internet access and digital divides.