This research report provides insight into the online experiences of Australian consumers and small businesses. Now in its fifth year, it highlights key shifts from 2021 to 2025, presenting a detailed picture of the digital lives of Australians. 

Since 2021, Australians have experienced a significant digital transformation. A global pandemic, heightened cyber threat environment and emergence of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) have reshaped the technology landscape. The report offers insights into how Australian consumers and small businesses behaviours, views on and experiences with the internet have evolved against this backdrop of technological change. Despite many changes, the internet continues to be relied on and valued by the vast majority of Australians.

Key trends

• More Australians, especially in regional areas, now rely on the internet to work – most say they couldn’t do their job without it.
• Remote work is driving stronger belief in the internet’s role in improving work-life balance.
• Online security habits like multifactor authentication are on the rise, with growing user confidence despite ongoing cyber threats.
• Most Australians now use AI – and with increased use comes greater demand for stronger regulation.
• Tech is still seen as male-dominated and women continue to report lower interest and confidence in digital skills – though younger women (aged 18-34 years) are shifting this trend.