Internet skills will be put on the same footing as the three Rs under a shake-up of adult education, Britain's culture secretary has announced.
Adults who lack basic digital skills will be eligible for free training to help take them out of the "digital darkness", Karen Bradley says.
It will mean the courses, which will be funded from the existing adult education budget, are given the same weight as English and Maths.
Around 5.3 million Britons have never used the internet, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Karen Bradley, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: "In today's digital economy, being able to use modern technology and navigate the internet should be considered as important as English and Maths.
"But too many people struggle to get by, with more than 10 million adults in England lacking the basic digital skills they need.
"We will make sure all adults who need it can receive free training in digital skills to equip them for the modern world - helping to make sure our economy and society work for everyone."
The reforms will be introduced through an amendment to the Digital Economy Bill, currently going through Parliament.
