Story perspectives

2025 Report: 6 Billion Online, Digital Divide Persists

11/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, about 6 billion people are online, up 240 million from 2024, per the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
About 2.2 billion people remain offline, mainly in low- and middle-income countries with 23% internet access.
The ITU report highlights digital divides by income, gender, and geography, noting 94% internet use in high-income countries versus 36% in Africa, and calls for improved infrastructure, affordability, and skills training to reach universal connectivity.

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Story summary

In 2025, about 6 billion people are online, up 240 million from 2024, per the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
About 2.2 billion people remain offline, mainly in low- and middle-income countries with 23% internet access.
The ITU report highlights digital divides by income, gender, and geography, noting 94% internet use in high-income countries versus 36% in Africa, and calls for improved infrastructure, affordability, and skills training to reach universal connectivity.