Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions. Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.

The city of Veridia, once hailed as a paradigm of technological utopia, now finds itself ensnared in the intricate web of the "Digital Divide Paradox." This paradox, a stark testament to the unintended consequences of rapid technological advancement, manifests as a glaring discrepancy: while Veridia boasts the highest per capita investment in cutting-edge digital infrastructure globally, a disconcertingly large segment of its population remains trapped in a state of digital exclusion. This exclusion transcends the mere lack of access to hardware or internet connectivity; it delves into the realm of digital literacy, a crucial component often overlooked in the city's relentless pursuit of technological progress. A recent landmark study, "Bridging the Byte Gap," meticulously documented this phenomenon, revealing that even among those privileged with access to digital resources, digital literacy levels are alarmingly, and often shockingly, low. The study meticulously identified three primary, interconnected factors that contribute to this burgeoning paradox. Firstly, the dizzying pace of technological evolution has far outstripped the city's capacity to provide comprehensive and adaptive digital education. The curriculum, often outdated and ill-suited to the diverse needs of the population, fails to equip individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Secondly, the city's unwavering focus on infrastructure development has overshadowed the crucial, yet often neglected, aspect of community engagement. This oversight has resulted in a profound disconnect between the technological advancements and the lived realities of the people, leading to widespread apathy and disengagement. Finally, the insidious presence of "algorithm bias," embedded within the city's public services, designed to streamline processes and enhance efficiency, has inadvertently, and often tragically, marginalized certain demographics, particularly the elderly, those with limited formal education, and individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. These biases, often subtle and opaque, perpetuate existing inequalities and exacerbate social divisions. The repercussions of this digital divide are far-reaching and deeply unsettling. The city's ambitious "Smart Governance" initiative, conceived as a transformative project to enhance citizen participation, streamline bureaucratic processes, and optimize resource allocation, is faltering, plagued by alarmingly low adoption rates and widespread distrust. Small businesses, the lifeblood of Veridia's economy, find themselves struggling to compete with larger, tech-savvy corporations, unable to navigate the complex digital ecosystem that increasingly dominates the market. Moreover, the social fabric of Veridia is fraying, with a palpable sense of alienation and resentment simmering among those left behind by the relentless march of the digital revolution. The government, initially brimming with optimism about the transformative power of technology, is now facing mounting criticism from all quarters for its myopic focus on technological advancement and its failure to address the human dimension of digitalization. A newly formed committee, "Equity in the Digital Age," comprising experts from various fields, is tasked with the daunting challenge of proposing viable solutions. However, the fundamental question remains: how can Veridia bridge the byte gap without compromising its cherished technological progress and sacrificing the well-being of its citizens?