The Australian Internet Usage Survey (AIUS) uses a sequential mixed-mode design. An online self-completion survey is offered first, with a hard copy option initiated during a second phase of data collection. The AIUS uses an address-based sampling (A-BS) approach, with mail as the primary mode of conduct to ensure the survey sample includes both internet users and non-users.

Survey distribution and data collection for the AIUS is managed by the Social Research Centre in partnership with Valiant Press (for hardcopy questionnaire forms design, printing, and distribution) and Datatime Services (for hardcopy questionnaire scanning and data processing).

The AIUS is conducted under ethical approval provided by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Swinburne University (20203023-4585). All data collection activities are undertaken in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles contained therein, the Privacy (Market and Social Research) Code 2014, the Research Society’s Code of Professional Behaviour and ISO 20252 standards.