Vodafone’s Hi Digital boosts online safety for older people

Vodafone Foundation’s Hi Digital program is helping people aged over 65 improve their digital wellbeing, build confidence in using technology and protect themselves from online scams through face-to-face training, workshops and other support services across Europe.

The program equips older adults with practical digital skills, helping them identify online risks, make informed decisions and continue benefiting from technology while participating more fully in an increasingly digital society.

Building digital confidence, wellbeing:

Research published by Vodafone Foundation in April 2026 found that 91% of older adults surveyed across six European markets use digital devices daily. However, 69% reported low confidence or fear of making mistakes, while only one in three felt confident navigating new digital tools.

Concerns about online safety were also widespread, with 62% worried that their personal information could be misused. The findings highlighted the importance of human support, as 51% of respondents preferred learning in person.

Hi Digital addresses these challenges by offering partner-led face-to-face training and workshops, in-person assistance at Vodafone stores, digital and telephone support, and online learning resources.

Helping older adults recognize online scams:

Available in Ireland, Czechia, the Netherlands and Romania, the program operates in partnership with charities, community organisations and governments. Support is provided through local libraries, community centers, Vodafone stores and other locations.

Activities linked to the campaign will help older people recognize warning signs of fraud, understand how scams operate and identify trusted sources of assistance.

Joining global efforts to combat scams:

Vodafone Foundation has also joined the Anti-Scams Philanthropy Collaborative, a global coalition committing more than USD 50 million to address the growing threat of scams.

The alliance brings together organisations including Aspen Digital, Google.org, Dalberg, the Asian Development Bank, JPMorganChase, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

It aims to strengthen scam prevention, detection and disruption, support affected individuals and scale solutions for communities most at risk.

Through Hi Digital, Vodafone Foundation is translating this broader commitment into practical support that helps older people build confidence, maintain their independence and stay safe online.

Promoting safer,more inclusive digital participation:

Lisa Felton, Managing Director of Vodafone Foundation, said scams increasingly threatened people’s confidence as well as their finances, stressing that no single organisation could tackle the issue alone.

She said joining the collaborative would enable the foundation to work with partners across the technology, finance and civil society sectors, while Hi Digital helps older people access the support they need to remain engaged, informed and safe in a digital world.

Liz Roche, Head of Vodafone Foundation in Ireland and Programme Lead of Hi Digital, said fraud awareness should help people feel more confident using technology rather than increase their fear of it.

Through the programme, people aged over 65 across Europe can develop practical skills, ask questions in a trusted environment and receive support from charity and community partners and others facing similar challenges, she added.

Roche said building confidence, independence and digital wellbeing helps older people continue benefiting from the opportunities technology offers.