Insee Focus · February 2026 · n° 376

One in three people lack digital skills

In 2025, 34% of the population aged 16 to 74 did not use the Internet or lacked basic skills in at least one of the five domains of the European Digital Skills Indicator. This proportion has slightly decreased since 2021 (-4 percentage points).

Overall, almost all Internet users had good online communication skills (sending emails, using social networks, making video or voice calls) and problem-solving skills (accessing online banking services, following online lessons, searching for jobs). Searching for information online was also well managed. However, many people faced significant difficulties using software (word processing, spreadsheets) and data management and privacy protection (refusing cookies, blocking geolocation).

Furthermore, although the use of artificial intelligence is increasing (37% of people said they had used it in 2025), its use remained limited to those who already had digital skills. Lack of skills was one of the main barriers to its adoption. Students were the most frequent users (85% of students reported using it).

Finally, 82% of people aged 75 and over lacked digital skills: 49% did not use the internet, and 33% did not have basic skills in at least one of the five domains. Although this proportion has been decreasing since 2021, the decline is mainly due to a generational effect rather than an increase in usage.