New data from the Canadian Internet Registration Authority shows Canadians embracing mobile and Internet-connected devices, despite concerns about cyber-security

Annual CIRA Internet Factbook looks at Canadian Internet trends, penetration, and use

OTTAWA, Dec. 13, 2016 /CNW/ - Today the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) released the latest edition of its Internet Factbook, an annual look at the domain market, the state of the global Internet, and data on how Canadians use digital technology.

Access the 2016 CIRA Internet Factbook at cira.ca.

Key findings from the report 

• Canadians are concerned about an expanded set of cyber-security issues – 47 per cent of Canadians are unlikely to make a purchase from an online retailor after a cyber-attack. The same was true for the non-profit community, as 48 per cent of Canadians said they were unlikely to make donation to organizations following a cyber-attack.
• Internet connected devices are taking over some Canadian homes – Nine per cent of Canadian Internet users reported having ten or more Internet-connected devices in their home. However, 11 per cent reported having only one.
• Canadians' embrace of mobile continues – The study found that 21 per cent of Canadian Internet users most often access the Internet with a mobile or smart phone. 12 per cent reported using a tablet most often. Canadians are more likely to use mobile devices than personal computers to access social media, games, and instant messages. Older Canadians (55+) are much more likely to use tablets to get online than their younger counterparts.
• Online video is popular, but three quarters of Canadian Internet users still have cable – Digital technology is changing the way that Canadians consume entertainment and information, but traditional cable is still retaining customers. This may be changing for younger generations, however, as younger Canadians are much more likely to stream online video. 38 per cent of Canadians subscribe to Netflix and 16 percent use a VPN service to access content from international sources.
• There are now more than 23 million gTLDs registered globally – More than 40 per cent of Canadians are aware of new gTLDs. However, 70 per cent of those who were aware of these new domains indicated that they were uninterested in registering one.
• The Internet of things is making some Canadians nervous – 66 per cent of Canadians who were aware of the Internet of Things were concerned about the security implications of the technology.

Executive quote

"Canadians are some of the most connected people on the planet and our annual factbook confirms this year-after-year. However, there are areas where we need to be concerned. The adoption of mobile broadband in Canada is lagging other OECD countries and our research indicates a general level of anxiety around cyber-security issues. As new technologies are deployed, such as the Internet of Things, we need to ensure that security is at the forefront of our planning. Helping ensure the safety, security, and stability of Canadians' online experience will ensure that we can all fully participate in the digital economy."
 - David Fowler, vice president of Marketing and Communications for CIRA

About CIRA

The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) manages the .CA top-level domain on behalf of all Canadians. CIRA also develops technologies and services that help support its goal of building a better online Canada. The CIRA team operates one of the fastest-growing ccTLDs, a high-performance global DNS network, and one of the world's most advanced back-end registry solutions. CIRA helps to support the Canadian Internet community through investments in Internet Exchange Points, the Canada Internet Forum, and the CIRA Community Investment Program.

SOURCE Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)

Ryan Saxby Hill, communications manager for CIRA, 613-316-2397, [email protected]