A recent study conducted by the United Nations (UN) has revealed that approximately one-third of the world’s population remains without access to the internet, despite the record-high number of people connected. The report, published on Tuesday, presents the latest statistics provided by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN agency overseeing information and communication technologies.
An additional 100 million individuals have gained internet access since the previous year’s survey, reflecting a growth of connectivity. As a result, 67 percent of the global population, or 5.4 billion people, currently have internet access. However, a significant 2.6 billion people still lack connectivity.
“This improvement in connectivity is a positive step forward,” commented Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU. She further stated, “We will continue to strive until meaningful connectivity becomes a reality for everyone, everywhere.”
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The ITU chief emphasized the need for sustained efforts to achieve universal and meaningful connectivity by 2030. While the developed countries have largely achieved internet connectivity, the areas with the greatest potential for growth are low-income countries.
Despite the substantial increase in connectivity during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the latest global estimates suggest that this growth was temporary. The ITU stated in their report that current trends are not strong enough to ensure the achievement of universal and meaningful connectivity by 2030.
Ensuring internet access for everyone remains a significant challenge, but with continued efforts and advancements in technology, the goal of global connectivity is within reach.