The United Nation’s (UN) ICT agency revealed global data showing that young people between the ages of 15-24 are at the front line of internet adoption, especially in developing economies.

The data shows that 830 million adolescents are online, with 320 million of those living in China and India – accounting for 80% of the youth population in 104 surveyed countries.

In countries “not so developed”, young people accounted for 35% of internet users, compared to 23% worldwide and 13% in developed countries.

Secretary general at International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Houlin Zhao, said to Computer Weekly: “The figures show great strides are being made in expanding internet access through the increased availability of broadband networks.

“Digital connectivity plays a critical role in bettering lives; it opens the door to unprecedented knowledge, employment and financial opportunities for billions of people worldwide.”

The internet user gender gap was also examined, showing that 50.9% of men worldwide go online, compared to 44.9% of women; although in America the number of women online is higher.

Mobile subscriptions has also grown by more than 20% globally since 2012, with fixed broadband grow by 9% per annum, especially in China, which accounts for 80% of fixed connections, delivering over 10Mbps.

Written by Leah Alger