Aussies embrace new digital technology: survey

More than 80 percent of Australians own a smartphone and almost one third of them are using that device for at least two hours each day, according to a research report released on Thursday.

The findings come from digital consultancy Ernst & Young's latest survey - Digital Australia: State of the Nation' - which paints a data-based picture of Australia's online habits.

The survey showed Australians feel they have made some significant steps toward becoming more competent with the digital technology, with almost half of the nation believing Australia's digital aptitude is equal to or better than other developed nations.

However, with more and more Australians embracing the digital revolution, consumers fear their personal information is under threat.

According to the survey, almost two thirds of Australians were concerned about corporations sourcing their background information, disclosed online, for monetary gain.

"Consumers are willing to disclose personal information, if they can see how it is being used," said David McGregor, Ernst & Young's technology, media and entertainment and telecommunications leader.

"With the rise of social media, people are putting unprecedented levels of personal information into the public domain," he added.

The report also highlighted the areas of Australian business that have been ahead of - and behind - the curve by incorporating digital, cashless mechanisms into their model.

Oceania Digital Partner Tom Kennedy of the accounting firm said Australia's banking and finance industry had been clear winners, while the rise of ride-sharing company Uber showcased how Australia's taxi industry had dropped the ball.

"As the age-old taxi industry discovered, once a sector gets to a digital tipping point, it's too late to start formulating strategy," the survey's authors noted. Enditem