The report presents the challenges and opportunities facing Australians online in 2026 and how they use, trust and navigate the internet. The research involved Australian adults and small business owners and managers. The research highlights that the internet is undoubtedly essential infrastructure, much like water and electricity. However, with increased reliance on the internet also comes challenges and new opportunities. 

Key findings

• 85% of small businesses would struggle to function without the internet.
• 61% of consumers and 72% of small businesses have used artificial intelligence (AI), up 5% and 8% year-on-year.
• The most important digital skills are considered: cyber security and AI.
• 69% of consumers and 68% of small businesses see a need for AI regulatory safeguards, up 5% and 3% year-on-year.
• While 92% of small businesses hold personal or sensitive data, only 26% feel confident they can protect it. 
• Small businesses underestimate their cyber risk: one in three think they are too small to be targeted and nearly half believe that if large organisations cannot avoid cyber attacks, they have little chance of protecting their own business.