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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cyber security is the area with the greatest digital skills gap
- 62 per cent of consumers and 77 per cent of small businesses consider cyber security skills the most important digital skill for their future
- Yet only 13 per cent of consumers and 24 per cent of small businesses feel they currently have high capability with cyber security skills.
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.
Past Digital Lives reports
Latest Digital Lives of Australians report
View the latest edition of auDA's Digital Lives of Australians report which provides essential insight into the Australians’ use of the internet, their engagement in the digital economy and societ
Explore latest Digital Lives reportDigital Lives of Australians 2025
auDA’s Digital Lives of Australians research study provides unique insight into the online experiences of Australian consumers and small businesses. Now in its fifth year, it highlights key shifts 2021 to 2025, presenting a detailed picture of the digital lives of Australians.
Explore Digital Lives 2025Digital 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 2023Digital 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 2022Digital 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 2021Helpful resources
Australian Cyber Security Centre
Access best practice cyber security guides and alerts on cyber threats.
Visit cyber.gov.auOffice of the Australian Information Commissioner
Learn about privacy legislation, your privacy rights and access guides for businesses.
Visit oaic.gov.auOther research reports
Explore other research conducted by auDA.