Are Roma Digital Citizens?
In today’s world, digital citizenship is fundamental for education, work, and participation in society. Research by Mustafa Jakupov shows that Roma communities across Europe are still excluded from the digital sphere.
Barriers go beyond internet access and devices. Roma are missing from national digital education strategies, underrepresented in curricula, and rarely involved in policymaking. Antigypsyism online remains widespread, with few protections in place.
Despite these obstacles, Roma youth are using social media to tell their stories and challenge stereotypes. But without investment, support, and visibility, their creativity risks being sidelined.
Mustafa Jakupov calls for urgent action: invest in infrastructure, provide digital literacy in Romani and national languages, recruit Roma educators and creators, combat online hate, and involve Roma in digital decision-making.
Digital belonging is possible but only if Roma are recognised, protected, and empowered as equal citizens online. Read more in Mustafa’s article