In the European Union , the proportion of internet users having experienced certain common security issues over the internet – such as viruses affecting devices, abuse of personal information, financial losses or children accessing inappropriate websites – stood at 25% in 2015, according to data published by Eurostat.

Security concerns kept some internet users in the EU from doing certain activities over the internet: almost 1 in 5 did not shop online (19%) or did not carry out banking activities (18%) in 2015, and 13% of them did not use the internet with a mobile device via wireless connection from places other than home.

This information internet security is issued by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, on the occasion of the Safer Internet Day (9 February 2016).

The EU has recently made important steps to reinforce confidence in the online world, with agreements on the first EU-wide cybersecurity rules and on a stronger EU data protection framework. Initiatives such as the Safer Internet Day (9 February) are also key to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially among children and young people.

This year, people in more than 100 countries in the EU and across the world will celebrate the day around the theme of “Play your part for a better internet”. The event is organised by the pan-European network of Safer Internet Centres that are co-funded by the EU. The EU also supports the Better Internet for Kids platform through its Connecting Europe Facility scheme. This tool gives internet users access to a wealth of information, guidance and resources on how to make the best of the internet.

The Eurostat press release is available HERE.

2016 SAFER INTERNET DAY INFOGRAPHIC