Fact Check: "The internet connects billions of devices globally."
What We Know
The claim that "the internet connects billions of devices globally" is widely accepted in the context of modern technology. According to the World Economic Forum, the digital economy is playing an increasingly critical role in global trade, with the value of digitally delivered services having increased significantly over the past two decades. The report notes that digital services have grown at an annual rate of 8.2%, while overall trade growth has averaged 5.8%. This indicates a substantial reliance on digital infrastructure, which inherently connects billions of devices.
Moreover, the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 emphasizes the importance of interconnected devices in shaping economies and societies, highlighting the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats as more devices come online. This further supports the notion that billions of devices are indeed connected to the internet.
Analysis
While the claim appears to be accurate, the specific number of devices connected to the internet can vary based on different reports and methodologies. For instance, estimates from various tech industry reports suggest that as of 2023, the number of connected devices could be in the range of 30 billion to over 75 billion, depending on the definitions used (e.g., whether to include IoT devices, smartphones, computers, etc.) (source-3).
The reliability of the sources cited is generally high. The World Economic Forum is a reputable organization that compiles data from a wide range of experts and institutions. However, it is essential to note that while the organization provides valuable insights, it may also have an agenda that emphasizes the benefits of digital transformation and interconnectedness, which could lead to potential bias in framing the data.
Additionally, while the claim is supported by credible sources, it lacks specific quantitative backing in the original statement. The assertion that "billions" are connected is vague without a precise figure or context, which makes it difficult to verify definitively.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
The claim that "the internet connects billions of devices globally" is generally accepted and supported by credible sources, but it lacks specific quantitative evidence to confirm the exact number of connected devices. While the assertion aligns with broader trends in digital connectivity, the variability in estimates and the absence of a precise figure prevent a definitive verification.
