Two out of five Belgians lack basic digital skills

Belgians' digital skills have sharply increased in recent years

The percentage of Belgians (aged 16 to 74) who have at least basic digital skills has increased from 54% in 2021 to 59% in 2023.

Meanwhile, the target set in "Europe's Digital Decade" that, by 2030, 80% of all adults should have at least basic digital skills, remains a long way off. (Europe's Digital Decade | Shaping Europe's digital future)

Digital skills are made up of five components. Belgians register the best results for online communication (83%) and the lowest when it comes to protecting their privacy (40%).

Large differences per age, level of education and socio-economic situation

Students and employed people have the most digital skills: 72% and 67% of them respectively have at least basic digital skills. The unemployed (47%), the inactive (41%) and the retired (40%) have more difficulties. The age and level of education also play a role: we see a clear decrease in digital skills after 45 and among low-skilled people.