23 June 2006

The Office of Communications (Ofcom) has stated the Internet is now "an essential part of our professional and personal lives".

In a report examining the broad range of processes used across the UK, the agency asserts that 59 per cent of all UK adults now have access to the Internet at home.

Furthermore, 68 per cent of these are connected to "high speed, content-rich services" via broadband.

Ofcom adds that the Internet connects a global audience to each other and to products, goods and services all over the world.

However, the agency notes that consumer protection issues are paramount in modern Internet usage and regulation will need to be introduced to ensure user safety online.

Key issues outlined by the report are access to illegal or harmful information and financial safety online, although it states that 72 per cent of users are unwilling to disclose credit card information on the web.

Online banking, mortgages and insurance are all now available services in user's homes, while recently NHS experts predicted that telecare will change the lives of thousands.

© Adfero Ltd

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