Data gathered by Learnbonds.com indicates that Asia now accounts for more than half of the global internet users. According to the data, the continent has 2.3 billion users representing 50.3%.
Internet users to grow following coronavirus restrictions
The data further places Europe in the second spot with 727 million users (15.9%) while Africa comes third with 522 million users (11.5%). Latin America Caribbean region is fourth with 453 million users (10.1%).
In fifth place in North America with 327 million users (7.8%) followed by the Middle East at 175 million users (3.9%). Oceania and the Australian region account for the least global internet user globally at 29 million which represents 0.6%.
According to the report: "Moving into the second quarter of 2020, global internet users might increase following the restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The internet is now being used at a rate never experienced before."
On the other hand, North America accounts for the highest rate of internet penetration at 94.6%. Europe occupies the second slot with 87.2% while Latin America the Caribbean region comes third with a penetration rate of 70.5%.
Middle East’s penetration stands at 69.2% followed by the Oceania and Australia region with a rate of 67.4%. Furthermore, the average internet penetration for Asia and Africa is below the world average of 58.7%. Asia’s penetration rate stands at 53.6% while Africa has 39.3%.
Based on the data, there still exists a huge digital divide as over 3 billion people don't have access to the internet. Factors such as education, income levels, geographical restrictions, and digital literacy have been cited as the main reasons behind this divide.
