A 17.6% jump in internet use by Greeks was recorded during the last four years. The data is based on a research by the Public and Information Observatory.

Every four out of 10 households have internet, even though only 54% of the Greek households have computers. The data shows that the 35-54 year old generation is behind in using new technologies in comparison to the average Europeans. It is obvious that the increase in internet use comes from the younger generation – between the ages of 16 and 24.

Every third Greek uses internet at least once a week and the everyday use has increased with 66% during 2008. The most important thing is that Greeks do not use the internet only to google and for e-mail anymore. 64% of users use internet to make phone calls or video calls through Skype and share opinions in blogs or forums. Every second Greek downloads music and every fifth plays multiplayer games. Unfortunately all this is happening mostly in the cities, because Greek provinces are undeveloped when it comes to new technologies.

The public e-services entered the digital sector but Greeks are behind in their use compared to other Europeans. Seven out of twenty of the main public services are available online but only one out of five people use them.

On the other people are not using e-banking to its full potential. Only 12% say that they use the service, because they are afraid mainly from personal information leak, or PIN code theft. In contrast to Greeks, 27% of all Europeans use e-banking more.

Another interesting fact is that despite that e-trading is in its low levels, many Greek firms, which have more than ten employees have websites.