| Relevance/rationale of the indicator (resp. why the indicator was chosen to measure the target and how it is suitable for these purposes) |
The Internet has become an increasingly important tool to access public information, which is a relevant means to protect fundamental freedoms. The number of Internet users has increased substantially over the last decade and access to the Internet has changed the way people live, communicate, work and do business. Internet uptake is a key indicator tracked by policy makers and others to measure the development of the information society and the growth of Internet content – including user-generated content – provides access to increasing amounts of information and services. Despite growth in networks, services and applications, information and communication technology (ICT) access and use is still far from equally distributed, and many people cannot yet benefit from the potential of the Internet. This indicator highlights the importance of Internet use as a development enabler and helps to measure the digital divide, which, if not properly addressed, will aggravate inequalities in all development domains. Classificatory variables for individuals using the Internet – such as age, sex, education level or labour force status – can help identify digital divides in individuals using the Internet. This information can contribute to the design of targeted policies to overcome those divides. |
| Target value of the indicator and its evaluation |
|
| Definition |
Proportion of individuals who use the Internet. An Internet user is a person who has stated that he or she has used the Internet on a computer, mobile phone or any other device, anywhere (eg at home, at work or school) and for any purpose (private or business), at least once in the last three months. |
| Measuring unit |
% |
| Indicator disaggregation |
By age groups |
| Reference period (resp. the period to which the indicator relates) |
3 months before the survey, which takes place in the 2nd quarter of the year |
| Related geographical area |
CZ (NUTS 0) |
| Comment |
In case when most of the population uses the internet, it is important to look also on numbers about frequency of use and numbers about activities performed on or via the internet. |
