Technology
Atlanta Digital Literacy Efforts Highlight Promise Alongside Risks and Ethical Questions
City programs expand tech training access while raising concerns over privacy and content reliability in Midtown and surrounding areas.
How we reported this
Atlanta launched three new digital literacy centers in June that have already enrolled 850 residents for basic coding and online safety classes.
Global supply disruptions and information conflicts this year have pushed more residents to seek online resources for jobs and news, making these programs timely in a city where tech jobs grew 12 percent last year according to local workforce data.
Local programs target specific neighborhoods
The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System runs sessions at its central branch on Margaret Mitchell Square that cover email security and job search tools. Georgia Tech's Digital Skills Lab in Midtown offers free workshops on data basics through its partnership with the city, drawing participants from the West End and East Atlanta.
One 2025 Atlanta city survey found that 42 percent of households in those areas reported difficulty spotting false online claims, a figure that tracks with national trends from the same period. Program fees average $30 for a four-week series at library sites, though Georgia Tech sessions remain no-cost for now.
Next steps for participants
Residents can check the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library website for July sign-ups or visit the Georgia Tech lab on 5th Street to review course materials before enrolling. City staff recommend starting with shorter library workshops to compare privacy policies across options.