# DigComp — Glossary > 172 terms defined in DigComp 3.0, JRC. Canonical page: https://explorerhub.eu/en/framework/digcomp/glossary ## Accessibility Extent to which products, systems, services, environments and facilities can be used by people from a population with the widest range of user needs, characteristics and capabilities to achieve identified goals in identified contexts of use (which includes direct use or use supported by assistive technologies). Source: JRC ## AI system A machine-based system designed to operate with varying levels of autonomy, that may exhibit adaptiveness after deployment and that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers from the input it receives how to generate output, such as predictions, content, recommendations or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments. Source: JRC ## Algorithm A formula or set of rules (or procedure, processes, or instructions) for solving a problem or for performing a task. Common examples include decision trees, clustering algorithms, classification algorithms, or regression algorithms. Source: JRC ## Anonymisation In the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, 2018), anonymisation refers to the processing of data with the aim of irreversibly preventing the identification of an individual person. Source: JRC ## Antivirus software A computer program designed to prevent, detect and remove malware. Also referred to as anti-malware. Source: JRC ## Application/App A computer program or software application, especially one designed to run on a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or watch. Source: JRC ## Artificial Intelligence A machine-based system designed to operate with varying levels of autonomy and that may exhibit adaptiveness after deployment. It infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments. Source: JRC ## Assistive technologies An umbrella term for assistive products and their related systems and services. In DigComp, assistive technologies refer to those used in digital environments. Examples include but are not limited to screen readers, adaptive keyboards, alternative input devices, reading assistants, augmented and alternative communication tools, and electronic magnifiers. Source: JRC ## Authentication The process of verifying the identity of a user, process, or device, often as a prerequisite to allowing access to resources in an information system. Source: JRC ## Automation The use of largely automatic equipment in a system of manufacturing or other production process. Source: JRC ## Backup A copy of files and programs made to facilitate recovery if the original is lost or damaged. Source: JRC ## Baiting See Social engineering Source: JRC ## Bias A systematic deviation from a true state. There are different forms of bias, such as the subjective bias of individuals, data and algorithm bias, developer bias and institutionalised biases that are ingrained in the underlying societal context. Source: JRC ## Big data Massive and complex data sets that traditional data management tools cannot handle. Big data can be characterised by large volume, high variety (frequently in unstructured or semi-structured formats), high velocity in generation and processing time, and varying degrees of quality and reliability. Source: JRC ## Biometric data Personal data resulting from specific technical processing relating to the physical, physiological or behavioural characteristics of a natural person, which allow or confirm the unique identification of that natural person. Source: JRC ## Blockchain A system in which a record of transactions is maintained across several computers that are linked in a peer-to-peer network. Source: JRC ## Bot An autonomous program on the internet or another network that can interact with systems or users. Source: JRC ## Browser A software application used to access information on the World Wide Web. Source: JRC ## Chatbot A computer program designed to simulate conversation with a human, usually over the internet, especially one used to provide information or assistance to the user as part of an automated service. Source: JRC ## Circular economy model A system where products and materials are shared, leased, reused, repaired, refurbished and recycled instead of being thrown away. Source: JRC ## Clickbait A text or a thumbnail link that is designed to attract attention and to entice users to click on that link and view, read, stream or listen to the linked piece of online content. The content is typically deceptive, sensationalised, or otherwise misleading. Also referred to as linkbait. Source: JRC ## Cloud computing The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer. Source: JRC ## Cloud services Infrastructure, platforms, or software that are hosted by third-party providers and made available to users through the internet. All infrastructure, platforms, software, or technologies that users access through the internet without requiring additional software downloads can be considered cloud computing services. Source: JRC ## Coding The process of creating instructions for computers using programming languages. Source: JRC ## Collaboration tools Digital tools that enable people to work together on projects, share information and communicate effectively, regardless of their physical location. Source: JRC ## Communication The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium. Source: JRC ## Competence statement In DigComp 3.0, competence statements are short, concrete and technology-neutral descriptions of the kinds of capabilities that individuals at Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Highly advanced levels could be expected to know or apply, for each of the 21 competences. These are shown in Section 3 of the DigComp 3.0 framework. Competence statements are based on the DigComp 3.0 learning outcomes in Annex 2 of the DigComp 3.0 framework and contain all of the key content in the learning outcomes. Source: JRC ## Complex (task) In DigComp 3.0, the term 'complex' is used in reference to proficiency levels and learning outcomes. In these contexts, a complex task is one which is not well-defined and consists of many different and inter-connected parts, and hence is intricate and not easy to understand or complete. Complexity of a task is often described on the basis of task characteristics - however, the experience and characteristics of an individual undertaking a task is also relevant. Source: JRC ## Computational thinking Computational thinking in DigComp 3.0 is consistent with the definition of the International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS): an individual’s ability to recognise aspects of real-world problems which are appropriate for computational formulation and to evaluate and develop algorithmic solutions to those problems so that the solutions could be operationalised with a computer. In DigComp 3.0, computational thinking is considered a transversal competence, i.e. it relates to and facilitates many of the other DigComp competences such as problem solving, information and data, and content creation. Source: JRC ## Computer program A sequence or set of instructions in a programming language for a computer to execute. Source: JRC ## Content creation The process of generating topic ideas that appeal to your target audience, creating written or visual content around those ideas. Source: JRC ## Cookie A small piece of data stored on the user's computer by the web browser while browsing a website. Source: JRC ## Copyright A type of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression. Source: JRC ## Creative Commons A non-profit organisation that enables the sharing and use of creativity and knowledge through free legal tools. Source: JRC ## Creative Commons (licences) A standardised way to grant permission to use creative work under copyright law. Depending on what the creative work is and how it is to be shared, the creator, whether an individual or an organisation, can choose from among six kinds of Creative Commons licences. Source: JRC ## Cyber threat Any malicious activity aimed at compromising the integrity, confidentiality or availability of digital systems, networks or data. Source: JRC ## Cyberattack An unauthorised action against computer infrastructure that compromises the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of its content. Source: JRC ## Cyberbullying Currently (2025), the most widely-cited definition of cyberbullying is an aggressive, intentional act carried out by a group or individual, using electronic forms of contact, repeatedly and over time against a victim who cannot easily defend him or herself. Source: JRC ## Cybercrime The use of digital technologies to perpetrate or facilitate a crime. Cybercrime can be categorised as cyber-dependent (one which may only be committed using digital technologies), or cyber-enabled (one which is facilitated by digital technologies). Source: JRC ## Cybersecurity Actions, processes and tools designed to protect a person, organisation, or country and their digital devices against crime or attacks carried out using the internet. Source: JRC ## Data Any digital representation of acts, facts or information and any compilation of such acts, facts or information, including in the form of sound, visual or audiovisual recording. Source: JRC ## Data analysis The systematic process of collecting, cleaning, transforming and interpreting data to discover useful information, identify patterns and support decision-making. Source: JRC ## Data backup The process of duplicating data and storing it in a separate location to ensure availability in the event of data loss due to corruption or disaster. Source: JRC ## Data centre A physical room, building or facility that houses digital technological infrastructure for building, running and delivering applications and services. It also stores and manages the data associated with those applications and services. A data centre usually includes backup components and infrastructure for power supply, data communication connections, environmental controls (e.g., air conditioning, fire suppression), and various security devices. Source: JRC ## Data collection tool Digital technologies that are designed to perform data collection – the gathering and measurement of information on targeted variables within an established system. Source: JRC ## Data literacy The ability to read, work with, analyse and argue with data. Source: JRC ## Data processing The collection and manipulation of digital data to produce meaningful information. Source: JRC ## Data protection Refers to both the security and privacy of an individual’s personal information (such as name, data of birth, home address, email address or phone number) and personal property (such as emails, files, and accounts owned or managed by the individual). Data protection can also refer to data management and storage practices that protect data from loss, theft, or corruption. Source: JRC ## Data removal rights In the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, 2018), data removal rights are referred to as 'right to erasure' or 'right to be forgotten'. These rights allow individuals to ask for their data to be deleted, and the entity holding that data has an obligation to do so, with some exceptions (i.e. if the data is needed to exercise the right of freedom of expression; there is a legal obligation to keep that data; or if it is in the public interest). Source: JRC ## Data restoration A process of retrieving deleted, inaccessible, lost, corrupted, damaged, or overwritten data from secondary storage, removable media or files, when the data stored in them cannot be accessed in a usual way. Also referred to as data recovery. Source: JRC ## Database A structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways. Source: JRC ## De-bunking The process of exposing inaccuracies, false information or myths in various theories, beliefs, or claims. It involves analysing evidence critically, disproving misconceptions, and revealing the truth or factual information about a certain topic or subject. Source: JRC ## Deceptive patterns Unfair practices deployed through the structure, design or functionalities of digital interfaces or system architecture that can influence individuals to make decisions they would not have taken otherwise. Also (and formerly) referred to as dark patterns. Source: JRC ## Deep learning A subset of machine learning based on artificial neural networks with representation learning. Source: JRC ## Deep-fake Generated or manipulated image, audio or video content that resembles existing persons, objects, places, entities or events and would falsely appear to a person to be authentic or truthful. Source: JRC ## Deepfake Synthetic media in which a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else's likeness using artificial intelligence. Source: JRC ## Design thinking An approach to problem-solving and innovation focused on human-centered design, involving four phases (clarify, ideate, develop, and implement). Source: JRC ## Digital Involving or relating to the use of computer technology. Source: JRC ## Digital assistance tool Digital technology that assists or supports an individual with the implementation of a task. In DigComp 3.0, digital assistance tools refer to functionalities embedded within software; platforms or services (such as automatic translation of online content, meeting note-taking functionality, voice-to-text and text-to-voice functionality); software or services that perform an assistive function (such as machine translation of text documents); and digital assistants (virtual assistants) (which answer users questions and perform simple tasks). Many of these rely on features of AI systems for some or most of their functions. Source: JRC ## Digital citizenship the capacity to participate actively, continuously and responsibly in communities online and offline, through competent and positive engagement with digital technologies. Source: JRC ## Digital collaboration tool Digital technologies that are designed to help people working on a common task to attain their goals. Such tools include collaborative communication, document collaboration, project management, workflow, and knowledge management. Source: JRC ## Digital communication Communication using digital technologies. Various modes of communication exist, e.g. synchronous communication (real time communication) and asynchronous ones (not concurrent communication) and can be in one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many modes. Source: JRC ## Digital communication tool Digital technologies that are designed to facilitate digital communication. They include instant messaging, video conferencing, email, communication functions in social media and digital collaboration tools, and communication functions in digital platforms and services such as in e-learning and online customer support. Source: JRC ## Digital competence The confident, critical and responsible use of, and engagement with, digital technologies for learning, at work, and for participation in society. Source: JRC ## Digital content A wide range of information and data (which can include, for example, computer programs, apps, games, music, videos or texts) that can be created, stored, processed, shared and accessed using digital devices. It includes digital blueprints that can result in physical creations of digitally-represented objects, such as 3D printing outputs. Source: JRC ## Digital content creation tool Digital technologies that are designed to enable the creation, editing and integration of digital content. These include text, image, video and audio processing and editing software, 3D modelling software, AI systems, particularly generative AI, and content creation online such as in social media, podcasts and websites. Source: JRC ## Digital device A unit of equipment that contains a computer or microcontroller. Common digital devices include laptop computers, desktop computers, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and smart TVs. Source: JRC ## Digital divide The gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology and those that don't or have restricted access. Source: JRC ## Digital environment A context, or a 'place', that is enabled by technology and digital devices, often transmitted over the internet, or other digital means, e.g. mobile phone network. Records and evidence of an individual’s interaction with a digital environment constitute their digital footprint. In DigComp 3.0, the term digital environment is used as a backdrop for digital actions without naming a specific technology or tool. Source: JRC ## Digital footprint The history of a person's usage of digital devices, which includes, among others, web pages downloaded, websites logged into, text, chat and social media messages sent, links clicked and social media pages liked. This information is widely used to target ads to consumers. Also referred to as a digital fingerprint. Source: JRC ## Digital identity In DigComp 3.0, digital identity refers to the collection of digital information about an individual, covering aspects such as personal details, online account information, username and password credentrials, behavioural and biometric data. Digital identity has several functions, such as access to services, privacy protection, and identity theft protection. Digital identity is verified through a variety of means, such as username and password, biometric verification, digital certificates, and government-issued IDs. Examples of digital identities include social media profile, email address, online banking account data, health records and educational portal credentials. Digital identity is multifaceted and evolving and can overlap with physical identity in its referents to physical realities such as home address or fingerprint data in biometric identification. Source: JRC ## Digital literacy The confident, critical and responsible use of, and engagement with, digital technologies for learning, at work, and for participation in society. Source: JRC ## Digital media Digital content like music, video, games, that can be stored, transmitted and reproduced on digital devices. Source: JRC ## Digital service A service provided and/or consumed via digital technologies. Digital services are categorized as public or private. Source: JRC ## Digital signature An electronic form of a signature that uses cryptographic techniques to verify authenticity. Source: JRC ## Digital technology Electronic tools, systems, devices and resources that generate, store or process data. Source: JRC ## Digital tool A digital technology that is used for a given purpose or for carrying out a particular function. Source: JRC ## Digital wellbeing A state in which an individual is able to manage the use of digital technologies to support their overall physical, mental, and social health. Source: JRC ## Disinformation False or misleading information intentionally created and disseminated to deceive people, including for economic gain or to cause political or public harm. Source: JRC ## Download To copy data from one computer system to another or to a disk. Source: JRC ## E-commerce The buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. A variety of business models are used in e-commerce (e.g., business-to-consumer, business-to-business, consumer-to-consumer). Source: JRC ## E-government The use of digital technologies for the delivery of public services to citizens and businesses. Source: JRC ## E-participation The use of digital technologies to enable and widen political participation by enabling citizens to connect with one another and with their elected representatives. Source: JRC ## E-safety See Online safety Source: JRC ## Electronic health records A digital collection of patient health information, including medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, and test results. Source: JRC ## Email Messages distributed by electronic means from one computer user to one or more recipients via a network. Source: JRC ## Encryption The process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access. Source: JRC ## Ergonomics The study and practice of designing equipment and systems to optimize human well-being and performance. Source: JRC ## File A collection of data or information stored on a computer. Source: JRC ## Filter bubble An echo chamber (a bounded, enclosed media space that has the potential to both magnify the messages delivered within it and insulate them from rebuttal) primarily produced by ranking algorithms on digital platforms such as search engines and social media which personalises information without any active choice on the part of an individual. Source: JRC ## Firewall A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Source: JRC ## Gamification The application of features from gaming in non-game contexts. The goal is to increase user engagement, motivation, competition and participation through the use of game mechanics such as points, badges, leaderboards and rewards. Source: JRC ## GDPR General Data Protection Regulation - EU regulation on data protection and privacy. Source: JRC ## Generative AI A subset of AI that uses specialised machine learning models designed to produce a wide and general variety of outputs, capable of a range of tasks and applications, such as generating text, image or audio. Source: JRC ## Hacking The practice of gaining unauthorized access to a computer system or network. Source: JRC ## Hardware The physical components of a computer system, including devices like monitors, keyboards, and processors. Source: JRC ## Hashtag A word or phrase preceded by a hash sign (#), used on social media to identify messages on a specific topic. Source: JRC ## Hyperlink A reference to data that the user can follow by clicking or tapping. Source: JRC ## ICT Information and Communication Technology - the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing. Source: JRC ## Identity theft The act of stealing another person's personal identifying information, such as their name, bank or credit card details, electronic signatures or passwords without their permission to commit fraud or other crimes. The person whose identity has been stolen may suffer adverse consequences, especially if they are falsely held responsible for the perpetrator's actions. Source: JRC ## Influencer A person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media. Source: JRC ## Information Data that has been processed, organized, or structured to provide meaning and context. Source: JRC ## Information literacy The ability to recognize when information is needed, and to locate, evaluate, and effectively use the needed information. Source: JRC ## Intellectual property Someone’s idea, invention, creation, etc., that can be protected by law from being copied by someone else. Source: JRC ## Internet A global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities. Source: JRC ## Internet of Things The interconnection via the internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data. Source: JRC ## Internet of Things (IoT) The interconnection via the internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data. Source: JRC ## IP address A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network. Source: JRC ## Knowledge Information that has been contextualized, interpreted, and understood, often through experience or education. Source: JRC ## Learning outcome A statement of what a learner knows, understands or is able to do at the end of a learning process. Source: JRC ## Licence Grants permission to use a particular software, application, content or service. A licence in digital contexts can take several forms: It may be a serial number to be entered during the installation process, an activation code used to unlock an online service, an electronic file associated with a user account, or a licence key. The main purpose of a licence is to establish the legal rights and restrictions regarding the use of the software, application, content or service. Digital licences may also offer benefits such as easy access to updates and upgrades and facilitating the management of licenses on multiple devices. Source: JRC ## Machine learning A field of artificial intelligence concerned with the development and study of statistical algorithms that can learn from data and generalise to unseen data, and thus perform tasks without explicit instructions. Advances in deep learning, a sub-discipline of machine learning, have allowed neural networks, a class of statistical algorithms, to surpass many previous machine-learning approaches. Machine learning has many applications, including natural language processing, computer vision, speech recognition, email filtering, agricultural management systems, and diagnostic medicine. Source: JRC ## Malware Malicious software designed to infiltrate systems, cause damage, disrupt services and/or steal data. Source: JRC ## Metadata Data that provides information about other data, such as the author, date created, and file size. Source: JRC ## Misinformation False information regardless of intent to deceive or mislead people. Source: JRC ## Multi-factor authentication A digital authentication method in which a user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more distinct types of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism. The purpose of multi-factor authentication is to protect personal data—which may include personal identification or financial assets—from being accessed by an unauthorised third party that may have been able to discover, for example, a single password. Authentication can be made on the basis of something physical the user possesses (e.g. a bank card, a phone), knows (e.g. a PIN), or has as part of their physical identity (biometric identification). Source: JRC ## Multimedia Content that uses a combination of different content forms such as text, audio, images, animations, video. Source: JRC ## Natural language processing A branch of AI that helps computers understand, interpret and manipulate human language. Source: JRC ## Netiquette The correct or acceptable way of communicating on the internet. Source: JRC ## Network A group of interconnected computers and devices that can communicate and share resources. Source: JRC ## Nudging A term from the behavioural sciences which refers to any attempt at influencing people’s judgment, choice or behaviour by making use of knowledge about cognitive boundaries, biases, routines, and habits in individual and social decision-making. Source: JRC ## Online Connected to, served by, or available through a system and especially a computer or telecommunications system. Source: JRC ## Online safety The practice of staying safe online through awareness of risks and protective measures in digital environments. Source: JRC ## Open data Data that are openly accessible, exploitable, editable and shareable by anyone for any purpose. Open data are generally licensed under an open license (one which grants permission to access, re-use and redistribute a work with few or no restrictions). Source: JRC ## Open source Software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified. Source: JRC ## Operating system A digital device's system software that manages computer hardware and software resources to provide common services for computer programs. Source: JRC ## Password A secret word or phrase used to gain access to a computer system or account. Source: JRC ## Password manager A software application designed to store and manage online credentials securely. Source: JRC ## Personal data The data relating to a physical person who with this data can be identified directly or indirectly. Source: JRC ## Phishing See Social engineering Source: JRC ## Platform A digital environment that provides the infrastructure and tools for users to create, share, and interact with content and services. Source: JRC ## Plugin A software component that adds a specific feature to an existing computer program. Source: JRC ## Podcast A digital audio file made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device. Source: JRC ## Pre-bunking A set of strategies that individuals can employ to build pre-emptive resilience to misinformation, by addressing misinformation sources at a higher level than their specific misinformation claims. Source: JRC ## Privacy In the context of legislation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, 2018), data privacy refers to the empowerment of users to make their own decisions about who can process their data, and for what purpose. Source: JRC ## Privacy settings Controls that allow users to manage who can see their information and activities online. Source: JRC ## Programming The process of designing and building an executable computer program to accomplish a specific task. Source: JRC ## Programming language A formal language comprising a set of instructions that produce various kinds of output used in computer programming. Source: JRC ## Prompt An input or instruction given to an AI system, particularly generative AI, to produce a specific output. Source: JRC ## Pseudonymisation In the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, 2018), pseudonymisation refers to the processing of personal data in such a manner that the data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organisational measures to ensure that the personal data are not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person. Source: JRC ## QR code A type of matrix barcode that can be read by a camera and contains information such as a link to a website. Source: JRC ## Ransomware A type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid. Source: JRC ## Robot A machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. Robots can operate with varying degrees of autonomy. Source: JRC ## Screen reader Assistive technology that renders text and image content as speech or braille output for people who are blind or have low vision. Source: JRC ## Search engine A program that searches for and identifies items in a database that correspond to keywords or characters specified by the user. Source: JRC ## Server A computer or computer program which manages access to a centralized resource or service in a network. Source: JRC ## Skill The ability to apply knowledge and use know-how to complete tasks and solve problems. Source: JRC ## Smart device An electronic device connected to other devices or networks via different wireless protocols that can operate interactively and autonomously. Source: JRC ## Social engineering The act of manipulating or deceiving individuals, especially using psychological persuasion, to gain access to systems containing data, documents, and information that the social engineer should not have access to obtain. Two common approaches are (i) phishing, which uses deceptive emails, websites, or messages to trick users into revealing sensitive information or installing malware; and (ii) baiting, which uses attractive advertisements or offers to entice the user into clicking on a link which contains malware or which seeks sensitive or personal data from the user. Social engineering techniques in digital environments are considered an increasingly pervasive and sophisticated threat to cybersecurity, particularly due to the application of AI technologies (e.g. voice cloning, personalising content, automated profiling). Consequences to individuals include identity theft and reputational damage. Source: JRC ## Social media A range of digital technologies that facilitate the creation, sharing and aggregation of content (such as ideas, interests, and other forms of expression) amongst virtual communities and networks. Their common features include online platforms which enable users to create and share content and participate in social networking; user-generated content; service-specific profiles; and the connection of individual user profiles to other individuals or groups. Source: JRC ## Software Computer programs that instruct the execution of a computer. Software can be categorised into operating systems (which manage hardware resources and provide services for applications) and application software (which performs specific tasks for users). Software development covers several phases (design, programming, testing, release and maintenance). Source: JRC ## Spam Irrelevant or inappropriate messages sent on the internet to a large number of recipients. Source: JRC ## Spreadsheet An electronic document in which data is arranged in the rows and columns of a grid and can be manipulated and used in calculations. Source: JRC ## Spyware Software that enables a user to obtain covert information about another computer activities by transmitting data covertly from their hard drive. Source: JRC ## Streaming A method of transmitting or receiving data over a computer network as a steady, continuous flow. Source: JRC ## Sustainable development Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Source: JRC ## Synchronous Happening, existing, or arising at precisely the same time. Source: JRC ## Tablet A mobile computer with a touchscreen display, which is typically smaller than a notebook computer but larger than a smartphone. Source: JRC ## Terms of service The legal agreements between a service provider and a person who wants to use that service. Source: JRC ## Troll A person who posts inflammatory or off-topic messages in an online community with the intent of provoking readers. Source: JRC ## Two-factor authentication A security process in which users provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves. Source: JRC ## Upload To transfer data from one computer to another, typically to one that is larger or remote from the user. Source: JRC ## URL Uniform Resource Locator - the address of a web page on the internet. Source: JRC ## User interface The means by which the user and a computer system interact, including input devices and software. Source: JRC ## Virtual assistant Digital technology that can perform a range of tasks or services for a user based on user input such as commands or questions, including verbal ones. Such technologies often incorporate chatbot capabilities to streamline task execution. The interaction may be via text, graphical interface, or voice, as some virtual assistants are able to interpret human speech and respond via synthesised voices. In many cases, users use verbal commands to access information online, control home devices and media playback, and manage other basic tasks such as email, to-do lists, and calendars. Companies in various industries often incorporate some kind of virtual assistant technology into their customer service or support. Source: JRC ## Virtual reality A simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. Source: JRC ## Virus A type of malicious software that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code. Source: JRC ## VPN Virtual Private Network - a technology that creates a safe and encrypted connection over a less secure network. Source: JRC ## Web An information system on the internet which allows documents to be connected to other documents by hypertext links. Source: JRC ## Website A set of related web pages located under a single domain name. Source: JRC ## Wi-Fi A facility allowing computers, smartphones, or other devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another wirelessly. Source: JRC ## Wiki A website that allows collaborative editing of its content and structure by its users. Source: JRC ## Provenance - License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ - DOI: https://doi.org/10.2760/0001149 - Source document: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC144121 - Publisher: Joint Research Centre, European Commission - Cite as: Cosgrove, J., Cachia, R., DigComp 3.0: European Digital Competence Framework – Fifth Edition, EUR 40491, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2025, ISBN 978-92-68-32677-0, doi:10.2760/0001149, JRC144121. - Attribution and licence terms: https://explorerhub.eu/en/legal/attribution