Online safety in Canada, 2022

Release date: July 20, 2023
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Infographic: Online safety in Canada, 2022
Description: Online safety in Canada, 2022

In 2022, Canadians used the Internet for a variety of purposes
Table summary
This table displays the results of In 2022 Percent (appearing as column headers).
Percent
Personal use of Internet 95
Online banking 78
Social media 74
Smart home devices 47

Canadians reported not trusting some technologies to keep their personal information secure
Table summary
This table displays the results of Canadians reported not trusting some technologies to keep their personal information secure Percent (appearing as column headers).
Percent
Social media 55
Smart speakers 40
Artificial intelligence technologies 31
Other smart home devices 28

Canadians saw harmful content online

27% saw information suspected to be false or inaccurate, such as misinformation, every day
11% saw content that may incite hate or violence every day

Canadians were victims of cybersecurity incidents

40% received fraudulent content, such as emails or messages from social media
11% had a virus or malicious software
9% were victims of payment card fraud


What Canadians did to protect themselves and their devices online
Table summary
This table displays the results of What Canadians did to protect themselves and their devices online Percent (appearing as column headers).
Percent
Enabled optional security features to verify their identity when accessing accounts or applications 75
Blocked emails, including junk mail and spam 62
Restricted or refused access to their geographical location 61
Refused to authorize the use of personal data for advertising purposes 59
Protected their mobile devices by updating operating systems manually or automatically 50
Changed the privacy settings on accounts or apps to limit access to their profile or personal information 49
Blocked other types of messages, such as on instant messaging apps or social network accounts 44

Canadians continue to improve their skills for using computers and software, with 45% doing a learning activity such as online training or self-guided learning, or seeking help from friends or family.

Note: The data in this infographic reflect the responses of individuals aged 15 and older living in Canada’s 10 provinces.
Only respondents who used the Internet in the three months preceding the survey answered these questions.

Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Internet Use Survey, 2022.

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Copyright

Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2023

Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

Catalogue no. 11-627-M

Frequency: Occasional

Ottawa

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