This paper explores the convergence of development economics, regulatory policies, and public health considerations within the field of Information Systems (IS) research, focusing specifically on 5G and 6G mobile technologies. Despite the widespread deployment of these technologies and their potential health implications, there is a limited understanding in IS literature on why countries adopt varying thresholds for radiation regulation. Our study, analyzing data from 124 countries, uncovered an inverted U-shaped relationship between digital literacy and the rigidity of radiation regulation. This finding reveals that nations with lower digital literacy levels tend to enforce stricter regulations, whereas those with higher literacy levels adopt more relaxed policies. By highlighting how digital literacy, a critical aspect of the digital divide, significantly influences regulatory frameworks in telecommunications, this study contributes to filling the gap in IS research. This underscores the necessity of informed and transparent regulatory decision making, especially in countries with diverse levels of digital literacy. Calling for a multidisciplinary approach to policy formulation, our work enriches the broader discourse in IS research, underlining the pivotal role of digital literacy in shaping both the access and regulatory landscapes of emerging technologies.

本文探讨了信息系统 (IS) 研究领域内发展经济学、监管政策和公共卫生考虑因素的融合，特别关注 5G 和 6G 移动技术。尽管这些技术得到了广泛的应用及其潜在的健康影响，但信息系统文献中对于各国为何采用不同的辐射监管阈值的理解还很有限。我们的研究分析了 124 个国家的数据，发现数字素养与辐射监管刚性之间存在倒 U 形关系。这一发现表明，数字素养水平较低的国家往往会执行更严格的法规，而数字素养水平较高的国家则采取更宽松的政策。通过强调数字素养（数字鸿沟的一个关键方面）如何显着影响电信监管框架，本研究有助于填补信息系统研究的空白。这强调了知情和透明的监管决策的必要性，特别是在数字素养水平不同的国家。我们的工作呼吁采取多学科方法来制定政策，丰富了信息系统研究中更广泛的讨论，强调了数字素养在塑造新兴技术的准入和监管环境方面的关键作用。