The article is devoted to the study of the problem of digital inequality in the Russian Federation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital inequality is viewed as a socio-economic problem: the lack of access to ICT entails a disruption in the full functioning of educational, medical and other cultural institutions. This limits people in finding work, building social ties, cultural exchange, and can negatively affect economic efficiency, the development and preservation of culture, as well as the level of education. The article assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the level of digitalization in the Russian Federation and formulates practical recommendations for overcoming the digital divide in the Russian Federation.