Abstract:

The progress of information communication technologies brings social, technological and economic development, but on the other hand creates barriers for certain groups of people, worsens their quality of life and pushes out of information society. This, so called “digital divide” creates negative effects to individual countries, regions as well as overall economic development. European Union bodies put efforts to overcome destructive divides and create information society for all. Public sector and nongovernmental bodies in Lithuania takes actions to minimize the problem, but in order to improve situation, joint actions of all stakeholders must be taken. Creation and promotion of accessible and user friendly online services, particularly relevant to social participation, such as banking, is vital. For this reason it is significant to assess Lithuanian banking sectors’ understanding and practical actions in closing digital divide. This would allow determining actual situation and creating plans of improvement and cooperation among all stakeholders.