Despite the promise of digital technologies to drive development, especially in low- and middle-income countries, evidence increasingly reveals a “digital paradox”: these interventions often reinforce inequalities, create exclusion risks, and sometimes cause societal harm. Traditional ICT models tend to overlook crucial socio-cultural and infrastructural differences, exacerbating existing power imbalances and marginalizing vulnerable groups. This study addresses these issues through a conceptual inquiry into the socio-technical dynamics that underlie the digital paradox, proposing an ethical, human-centered ICT4D framework as a potential solution. Emphasizing participatory design, ethical governance, and continuous evaluation, the framework prioritizes alignment with local needs and values. By centering justice, equity, and community engagement, this approach focuses on mitigating risks of exclusion and bias, bridging the gap between intended benefits and real-world impacts. Ultimately, the study contributes to the current debate on designing inclusive, socially responsible digital interventions that genuinely support equitable development.