The researching of information inequality in the market of information services

Abstract

The object of research is information inequality. Information inequality is seen as a socio-economic problem that can be solved with the help of confident actions of the state. Data analysis confirmed the problem of the «digital divide» at the global and regional levels. The transformation of the information services market depends on the quality of the Internet. The growing number of Internet users is a global tendency, but at the regional level it is possible to see clear differences, which creates problems for obtaining quality educational, financial and professional services. Both negative and positive consequences of information inequality are considered. Along with the growing importance of modern information technologies and services in society, inequality between certain segments of the population is growing. Some people for various reasons may have restrictions on access to information, knowledge, information services, new digital products and modern technologies, while others may not have similar restrictions on access to them.

The study found that the market for information services is specific in terms of protection of intellectual property rights. Aspects that would contribute to strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights to information services and products, information security are provided. Negative transactional externalities occur in the market of information services precisely when there is a decrease in information security due to violation of intellectual property rights by one person in relation to another, causing the last damage. To reduce the burden of transaction costs on market participants in information services, the directions of reducing transaction costs at the national level are substantiated. In all countries of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue of information inequality. The study presents the principles for overcoming digital inequality.