Majority of Hong Kong Households Have Internet Access, Smartphones Dominate Usage in 2024 Survey Findings.

Thematic Household Survey Report No. 82 published

The Thematic Household Survey Report No. 82 is published by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (June 12).

This publication contains key findings on information technology usage and penetration based on the Thematic Household Survey conducted from April to August 2024.

The survey results showed that the majority of households (96.7%) had Internet access at home in 2024. Among these households, smartphone was the most popular type of device used for Internet connection at home (99.9%), followed by personal computer (74.4%).

Usage of the Internet remained popular. The rate of persons aged 10 and over having used the Internet during the 12 months before enumeration was 95.8% in 2024, while the corresponding rate in 2023 was 96.0%. In addition, the popularity of smartphones remained at a high level. The smartphone penetration rate was 96.3% in 2024, comparable with the corresponding rate in 2023.

The usage of mobile payments was also common in Hong Kong. In 2024, 65.6% of persons aged 15 and over had used mobile payments during the 12 months before enumeration, while the corresponding rate in 2023 was 64.9%.

Other information

The survey successfully enumerated target respondents in some 10 100 households in accordance with a scientific sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong.

Detailed findings of the survey, together with the population coverage and concepts/definitions of key terms, are presented in the publication. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1130201&scode=453).

Enquiries about the survey findings can be directed to the Social Surveys Section (1) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5103 or email: thematic@censtatd.gov.hk).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport

Hong Kong Customs today (August 10) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 4 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $0.9 million.

A 28-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds inside his check-in suitcase. He was subsequently arrested.

The investigation of the case is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases