The lockdown gripping much of the world economy has spurred a real-time stress test of the long-heralded digital future.
Virtual brown bag lunches have replaced office gatherings; schools have rushed out internet-based learning; the International Monetary Fund will this week hold its spring meetings online; and the U.S. Supreme Court for the first time will hear arguments by telephone and allow live audio broadcasts.
Virus lockdowns have seen millions lose their jobs as waiters, flight attendants and Pilates instructors as service providers halt their businesses. That means sustaining the sectors that can function online has never been more important for a global economy facing one of its darkest periods since the Great Depression.