Over 2.6 Bn People Gain Internet Access Worldwide In 2023, But Digital Divide Persists

The latest data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reveals significant progress in global internet connectivity. As of 2023, the number of people worldwide without internet access has decreased to approximately 2.6 billion, down from 2.7 billion in 2022. 

While this reduction marks a step in the right direction, a substantial portion of the global population, approximately 33 percent, remains unconnected, highlighted ITU.

ITU's data highlights that 67 percent of the world’s population, equivalent to 5.4 billion people, are now online. This statistic underscores the widespread adoption of the internet across the globe, with billions of individuals benefiting from digital access.

Despite this progress, the digital divide remains a formidable challenge. In low-income countries, where the growth in internet connectivity has been most pronounced, less than one-third of the population enjoys online access. While there has been a reported 17 percent increase in internet users in these regions over the past year, the majority of citizens in these countries are still disconnected from the digital world.

Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau, emphasised that millions of people, especially in low-income countries, are missing out on the life-changing benefits that internet access can provide in this era of digital transformation.

Moreover, the data underscores the need for more than just connectivity. Alongside expanding internet access, there is a pressing need to equip users with digital skills. These skills are essential for individuals to unlock the full potential of the internet and navigate the online world safely.

The report also highlights a sobering reality. The double-digit growth in internet connectivity observed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has not sustained. Current trends, while positive, are not robust enough to guarantee universal and meaningful connectivity for all by 2030.