Numbers of people in the UK who have used the internet are rising, according to new figures.
Statistics for the third quarter of the year showed a decrease of 299,000 adults who had never used the internet compared with the previous quarter, following a fall of only 12,000 between the first and second quarters.
Some 41.62 million adults (82.9%) have used the internet, while 8.43 million (16.8%) have never done so. Adults who were more likely to have never used the internet included the over-65s, the widowed and those with a disability.
The largest proportion of internet users was in the youngest age group (those aged 16 to 24), at 98.6%, or 7.16 million people. The largest fall in people who have never used it was among those aged 75 and over, where there were 164,000 fewer non-users in the third quarter, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
The organisation Consumer Focus said the fall was "good news". Spokesman Jonathan Stearn said: "After a disappointing start to the year, it's good news that there has been a noticeable fall in the last few months in the number of people who have never used the internet. However, as one in six people have still never gone online, a big challenge clearly remains.
"A growing gap exists between those who are online and those who are not, as the internet becomes more of an essential utility for consumers.
"The best deals are often online only and people could save hundreds of pounds each year by accessing these online discounts.
"But unfortunately the poorest and most vulnerable customers who could benefit most from these savings are less likely to be able to access them online.
"The Government must provide even more targeted support to those who lose out the most.
"That means tackling real barriers over cost, access, security fears, and computer skills."
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