Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.
There are countless technological innovations shaping the modern world today. However, the majority of global users rely on a relatively small number of dominant digital platforms, including search engines, social media networks, cloud-based services, and mobile applications. According to recent reports by the World Economic Forum, this concentration of technological power has accelerated innovation while simultaneously raising concerns about digital inequality, data privacy, and market monopolisation.
When technology evolves rapidly, it inevitably transforms how societies function. Digital tools influence communication patterns, reshape labour markets, and redefine access to information. For example, artificial intelligence systems are increasingly used in healthcare, finance, and education. Their efficiency stems from the ability to process vast quantities of data, enabling faster decision-making than traditional human-led systems. As a result, productivity has improved across multiple sectors.
In response to these developments, governments and institutions are attempting to regulate technological growth responsibly. Several countries have introduced digital literacy programmes to help citizens navigate online environments safely. Others have implemented data-protection laws to ensure that personal information is not exploited. These measures illustrate how policy intervention can mitigate technological risks while preserving innovation.
Technology also offers new solutions for addressing large-scale challenges. Open-source platforms, online learning systems, and remote collaboration tools have expanded access to knowledge worldwide. Because such technologies are widely accessible via the Internet, individuals from diverse backgrounds can acquire skills, participate in global discourse, and contribute to digital economies. Nevertheless, experts emphasise that technological progress must be guided by ethical frameworks to ensure long-term social benefit rather than unchecked automation.
(Adapted from World Economic Forum & OECD reports on digital transformation)
Question 23. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 1 as a dominant digital platform?
A. search engines B. social media networks C. cloud-based services D. offline applications