Internet Users Reach One Billion: comScore

The number of Internet users reached over 1 billion, with majority of web-centric consumers coming from China, according a report released by an Internet market research company.

comScore chief executive Magid Abraham said that global Internet users in December 2008 has reached more than 1 billion in total, adding that this is a landmark event in the history of this electronic communication.

comScore surveyed Web users aged 15 and above who are using the Internet from their workplace or homes.  Meanwhile, the research company excluded people who are using the Internet in computer shops, smartphones, and PDA devices which means that the actual number could probably be higher.

According to the report, the Asia-Pacific region has the highest number of Web users, accounting for 41 percent.  Europe comes in second, with 28 percent, followed by North America which accounted for 18 percent.  South America has 7 percent share, and lastly, the Middle East and Africa both accounted for 5 percent of Internet users.

The report said that in Asia-Pacific region, there were more than 4,000,000 unique visitors with majority of Web surfers coming from China.

comScore said that the Asian country has even surpassed United States in terms of Web users with over 180 million people or 18 percent of the global Internet users.  US only comes in second, accounting for16.2 percent followed by Japan with 6 percent, Germany 3.7 percent, and UK with 3.6 percent share.

comScore also revealed the top most visited sites in the world, with Google as the most popular among Web users followed by Microsoft sites and Yahoo!  Meanwhile, Facebook ranks as the most popular social networking sites, and placed at the number seventh position in the world’s most popular Internet sites.

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