Section Article

The Politics of Knowledge in the Digital Age: Social Inequality Algorithmic Power and Access to Information
Author(s): Dr. Ishaan

Abstract
The expansion of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed the production circulation and consumption of knowledge. Search engines social media platforms recommendation systems artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructures increasingly determine how individuals discover information and participate in social life. However access to information in the digital age remains deeply unequal. This study examines the politics of knowledge through the interconnected dimensions of social inequality algorithmic power digital access language caste gender class and information governance in contemporary India. Drawing upon secondary literature recent empirical studies institutional reports and policy documents the study argues that digitalisation has expanded access to information while simultaneously creating new forms of exclusion. Algorithms do not operate in socially neutral environments they can reproduce existing inequalities through biased data unequal visibility language hierarchies and differential digital capabilities. The study concludes that equitable knowledge societies require affordable connectivity digital literacy algorithmic transparency multilingual information systems participatory governance and stronger accountability mechanisms.