Nearly half the people in Estonia use artificial intelligence

Tiina Pärson, leading analyst at Statistics Estonia, said that internet use is a common practice among younger and middle-aged people (16–54-year-olds), with almost 100% of them using the internet.

Internet use has increased significantly among the elderly. For example, compared with last year, internet use has risen by five percentage points in the 55–64 age group and by six percentage points among 65–74-year-olds. Compared with 2020, the increase has been even greater, at 11 percentage points among people aged 55–64 and 20 percentage points among people aged 65–74. “One key factor is the natural change of age groups. People who are already accustomed to using the internet are moving into older age groups, leading to greater digital competence among the elderly,” the analyst explained.

Regionally, internet use has increased in Northern and Southern Estonia. By county, the greatest rise is observed in Võru, Valga, and Hiiu counties.

One in two internet users has been exposed to AI

In addition to reading emails and engaging in social media, people are increasingly using online banking services. According to the analyst, 92% of internet users use banking services online, with usage rates being even in both cities and rural areas. “On the one hand, this is due to the convenient availability of the service, and on the other hand, banks themselves have increasingly directed customers to the digital environment,” noted Pärson.

Nearly half of all internet users have used public database and registry services, with rural residents being somewhat more active in this regard. 23% of internet users have submitted applications for benefits or allowances online.

For the first time, the 2025 survey also collected information on the use of artificial intelligence. The results indicated that nearly half of the internet users in Estonia have used AI solutions to write text, search for answers to their questions, or create content, for example. In cities, slightly more than half of internet users also use artificial intelligence. The share in rural areas is slightly lower, but the difference is not significant.

Technical skills reflect the overall growth in digital competence

Technical skills include, for instance, using and configuring devices and software, and troubleshooting. According to the survey results, 56% of respondents have independently installed software on their computer or mobile device, 58% have used word processing programs, and 60% have transferred files from one device to another. There were no significant differences between men and women with regard to technical skills.

30% have checked the accuracy of information found on the internet

When verifying information, the use of critical thinking is can be seen. 30% of respondents have checked the accuracy of information found on news portals or social media, for instance. 27% of respondents have searched for additional information or checked sources, and more than a tenth have followed or participated in online discussions. Younger people are more likely to check information sources and evaluate the credibility of content. 

The use of ICT by persons aged 16–74, households, and enterprises is studied by statistical offices in all European Union countries according to a harmonised methodology. Statistics Estonia conducts the survey on the use of ICT in households and by 16–74-year-olds annually in the second quarter. 

Since 2024, additional indicators are used to calculate sample weights: education and ethnic nationality. The purpose of using additional indicators is to increase the accuracy of the final data.

See also the dedicated section on information and communication technologies. More detailed data have been published in the statistical database.

When using Statistics Estonia’s data and graphs, please indicate the source.
 

For further information:

Susann Kivi
Media Relations Manager
Marketing and Dissemination Department
Statistics Estonia
Tel +372 5696 6484
press [at] stat.ee

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