Digital Lives of Australians

auDA is pleased to present the Digital Lives of Australians 2024 research report. It marks the fourth report in auDA's annual Digital Lives of Australians study, which began in 2021. Through the research, we seek to gain an in-depth understanding of the online challenges and opportunities Australian consumers and small businesses face, to support improvements to economic and social outcomes for Australians through the internet.

Key findings

Value of the internet

99 per cent of Australian consumers and small businesses feel the internet adds at least some value to their lives
97 per cent of Australian consumers feel the internet has a positive impact on their lives
Key benefits of the internet for consumers:
- Information and learning
- Access to goods and services
- Connection with others
88 per cent of working Australians rely on the internet to perform their job
78 per cent of small businesses would struggle to function without the internet
The internet is most valuable to small businesses for:
- Customer interactions
- Promoting the business
- Task and process efficiency
- Working remotely.

Cyber security

64 per cent of consumers and 55 per cent of small businesses avoid online activity due to concerns about data security
43 per cent of consumers and 40 per cent of small businesses would like to strengthen their online security but are unsure how
48 per cent of consumers and 35 per cent of small businesses do not know where to report a data security breach
Australians have high expectations of companies with access to their data
- 83 per cent of consumers and 79 per cent of small businesses believe companies should be doing more to protect the personal information of customers from cyber attack
- 81 per cent of consumers and 74 per cent of small businesses feel failure to protect the personal information of customers should result in penalties.

Emerging technologies

Interest in AI is building
- 48 per cent of consumers and 53 per cent of small businesses would like to learn more about AI and how it could benefit them
- 39 per cent of working age Australians believe being able to use AI tools will increase their employment prospects
- 48 per cent of small businesses believe being able to use AI tools will increase business efficiency
61 per cent of consumers and 67 per cent of small businesses would feel more comfortable about AI if there were stronger regulatory safeguards around it.

Download report

The 2024 study surveyed 1,500 consumers and 400 small businesses on how they value and use the internet. A qualitative online discussion forum and in-depth interviews were also conducted with selected participants.

Download Digital Lives 2024 report

Past Digital Lives reports

Digital Lives of Australians 2023

Our 2023 Digital Lives report focussed on use of and readiness to adopt emerging technologies such as AI and the metaverse by Australian consumers and businesses.

Explore Digital Lives 2023

Digital Lives of Australians 2022

Our 2022 Digital Lives report was the second in our ongoing annual study of Australians' experiences online, exploring the key challenges and opportunities they face online.

Explore Digital Lives 2022

Digital Lives of Australians 2021

auDA's inaugural research into the online experiences of Australian consumers and small businesses, to help us build our understanding of how Australians value the internet.

Explore Digital Lives 2021

Helpful resources

Australian Cyber Security Centre

Access best practice cyber security guides and alerts on cyber threats.

Visit cyber.gov.au

Scamwatch

Learn how to recognise, avoid and report scams.

Visit scamwatch.gov.au

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Learn about privacy legislation, your privacy rights and access guides for businesses.

Visit oaic.gov.au

IDCARE

Victims of cybercrime can access free support for identity theft and other online crimes.

Visit idcare.org

eSafety Commission

Access eSafety resources on scams, misinformation and more.

Visit esafety.gov.au

Other research reports

Explore other research conducted by auDA.