THE DIGITAL EXCLUSION OF RIVERSIDE COMMUNITIES AND ITS IMPACTS ON ACCESS TO SOCIAL SECURITY RIGHTS IN BRAZIL

Abstract

The digitization of social security services in Brazil, while enhancing administrative efficiency, has exacerbated structural inequalities for historically marginalized populations, such as Amazonian riverine communities. This study examines how digital exclusion, stemming from geographical, infrastructural, economic, and digital literacy barriers, undermines these communities’ access to social security rights. Through a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive research design based on a bibliographical and documentary review of sources published between 2015 and 2025, the paper identifies concrete obstacles to digital inclusion and proposes four territorially sensitive strategies: deployment of adapted infrastructure, including community networks and solar-powered systems; permanent digital literacy programs integrated with local knowledge and daily practices; redesign of government platforms to ensure linguistic accessibility, offline functionality, and alternative support channels; and institutionalization of community participation in the design and evaluation of public policies. The study argues that full citizenship cannot be contingent upon connectivity and calls for a public administration ethics that respects Amazonian socioterritorial diversity and ensures equitable access to fundamental rights.