In 2022, one third of the world's population, 2.7 billion people, still does not have access to the Internet and even though the cost of Internet services has decreased globally, the world's poorest remain deprived of the opportunities offered by this technology.
This is highlighted by a report published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency for information and communication technologies.
"Internet access is growing, but not as fast and as uniformly across the world as it should be," said ITU director Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
"There are still too many people who do not have access to digital technology. The challenge we face is to mobilize the resources that would allow everyone to effectively benefit from connectivity."
According to the report, the Internet has become more affordable in all regions of the world and for all population groups, regardless of income level.
However, its cost remains a major barrier, particularly in low-income economies.
The current global economic situation, characterized by high inflation, rising interest rates and high uncertainties, could make it even more difficult to achieve the goal of expanding the reach of the Internet in low-income areas.
Last but not least, there is still a serious gender inequality in internet access.
Although women make up nearly half of the world's population, 259 million fewer women have access to the Internet than men.
Only 63% of women use the internet in 2022, compared to 69% of men, according to the report.
The gender gap is even more worrying in low-income countries, where 21% of women are connected, compared to 32% of men, a figure that hasn't improved since 2019.
