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SCMP’s China Internet Report 2020 finds that Covid-19 has accelerated digitisation of economy

  • The pandemic has permanently changed how people in China are using technology in their everyday lives
  • People have been reaching out for public services, such as health care and education, online

Reading Time:3 minutes
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China turned to technology to help win the virus fight. Illustration: SCMP
The South China Morning Post on Tuesday launched its third edition of the China Internet Report, and in 2020 one theme dominates more than any other – the acceleration of digital trends as a result of the Covid-19 health crisis.
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The pandemic has permanently changed how people in China are using technology in their everyday lives, with increased online consumption and more people than ever before working online.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has left a lasting and transformative impact on China’s internet industry and has dramatically changed media consumption behaviours across the country,” said Gary Liu, chief executive officer of the South China Morning Post.

This report is essential reading for insights and new patterns on 5G development, AI, fintech and much more, all assembled from SCMP’s depth of access into and knowledge of China’ technology sector.”

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Three trends shaping China's internet from SCMP's China Internet Report 2020

Three trends shaping China's internet from SCMP's China Internet Report 2020

China, which has over 900 million internet users, has seen the average daily time spent on the internet per user grow to 7.2 hours in March, compared with 5.6 hours in the same month a year ago. But this time it is not just shopping and gaming – people have been reaching out for public services, such as health care and education online.

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The CIR 2020, produced by SCMP Research and based on SCMP reporting, finds that the global pandemic has had a profound impact on China’s technology landscape – accelerating media consumption and spurring innovative technology use cases to combat the virus itself. It takes a deeper look at 10 China technology sectors – including e-commerce, AI, chips, content and social media, 5G and healthtech.

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