76% of the world's population is online: ITU notes persistent digital inequality

According to ITU data, internet access continues to expand, but significant challenges remain in ensuring even connectivity across populations. In particular, it notes that 2 billion people still lack access to the network.

Inequality in access: differences between countries

The ITU points to a substantial gap in connectivity depending on a country's economic status. In high-income countries, 93 percent of the population uses the internet, whereas in low-income countries that figure is just 32 percent.

The digital divide across demographic groups

According to the ITU, overall 79 percent of men and 74 percent of women use the internet. In the CIS countries, the situation looks more favorable: 93 percent of men and 92 percent of women have access to the network.

Age groups and the importance of access

• Young people remain the most connected group, with 86 percent of people aged 15 to 24 using the internet.