CIRA Releases Snapshot of Canada’s Internet Landscape, Online Habits

The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) has released a snapshot that showcases data about Canada’s internet and the online habits of Canadians.

Canada’s Internet Factbook is developed on an annual basis through research that happens within the CIRA. In addition to providing a view into the state of Canada’s internet, the report tackles e-commerce and cyber security.

In a statement, CIRA president and CEO Byron Holland said:

“The first step to building a better online Canada is understanding the experiences, perceptions and needs of Canadian internet users. The data found in Canada’s Internet Factbook provides a comprehensive look at the Canadian internet and we hope this information will influence innovation, funding and policy decisions so Canadians can have the internet they want and deserve.”

Here are a few interesting key facts from the report:

• 71 percent of Canadians spend at least 3-4 hours on the internet each day.
• 46 percent of Canadians are willing to give up fast food for one year rather than lose the internet.
• 57 percent of Canadians are unaware that most of Canada’s internet infrastructure run through the U.S.
• 76 percent of Canadians are concerned about the security and privacy of their personal information on the internet if it is stored or routed through the U.S.
• 82 percent of Canadians have made an online purchase in the last 12 months.
• 4-in-10 Canadians prefer to shop online rather than in-person in a store.
• 75 percent of Canadians are concerned about an actual or potential cyberattack.

The purpose of the report released by the CIRA is to spark a discussion that may lead to innovation in the internet space across the country.