Canadian Internet Use Survey, 2012 [Canada]: Person File

The Canadian Internet Use Survey (CIUS) was conducted for the first time in 2005, replacing the Household Internet Use Survey (HIUS). The HIUS had been conducted on a biennial basis from 1997 to 2003 to measure household Internet use. As growth in the number of households using the Internet leveled off, the survey was redesigned to focus on how individuals, rather than households, are using the Internet. The individual-level CIUS was conducted in 2005, 2007 and 2009. For 2010, the CIUS was redesigned to meet the measurement needs of the Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians Program, sponsored by Industry Canada. For the first time, the redesigned survey incorporated a hybrid design, consisting of both a Household Component and an Individual Component. The 2012 CIUS was conducted under the 2010 design. The Household Component includes a short series of questions on the type of Internet connections and devices used by household members, from home, as well as availability of high speed service, and a standard module on household income. The questions may be answered by any knowledgeable member of the household. Following the Household Component, an individual aged 16 years and older was randomly selected to complete the Individual Component. Respondents were asked about their use of the Internet, and online activities including electronic commerce. While the Household Component covered Internet access at home, the Individual Component covers use of the Internet from any location. The Individual Component begins with a module on Current User (CU) of the Internet. As in past years, the CIUS asks individuals about their locations of Internet use, frequency and intensity of use, and reasons for non-use. The Specific Use (SU) module, as in 2010, asks respondents to report their Internet activities. These activities cover a wide range of topics including the use of email, instant messaging, formal education, and the search for employment. As with the 2010 survey, these activities could have taken place from any location and using any device. The Electronic Commerce (EC) module collects information on the total number, the total cost, and the types of goods and services ordered over the internet. Additional information is also collected on the location of delivery, the means of payment, and the main reason for not participating in e-commerce. This module remained consistent with the 2010 survey. The Privacy and Security (PS) module includes questions about online behaviour (e.g., use of security software, frequency of backing up files) and experiences related to security (e.g., experienced a computer virus). For the 2012 survey, this module was slightly modified with the addition of questions regarding concern for security while using internet banking or credit cards online. As the 2010 and the 2012 surveys have two distinct components - household and individual - with revised and streamlined questions, it is not appropriate to make direct comparisons with results from previous years. Data users who have questions about the survey are invited to contact the Investment, Science and Technology Division (please refer to Chapter 1.0 for contact information).