Some 20 per cent of the population are not feeling the social, cultural and commercial benefits of the web, according to research commissioned by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, as part of a campaign aimed at getting all sections of society connected.

The research also found that of those who do use the web, three in five use a price comparison web site, 71 per cent make sure they use secure passwords, and 60 per cent have used video-on-demand services.

The research suggests that the gender divide still persists: it found that the consumers making best use of the internet are more likely to be male, aged between 18 and 44, in full-time employment and educated to degree level or above.

The typical internet user is also more likely to own new technologies such as smartphones and e-readers, and more than 10 hours a week on the internet, which they will have access to both at home and work.

The campaign, dubbed the "Savvy Citizen" campaign, has also seen the launch of a web site – Savvycitizens.bcs.org – designed to signpost useful sources of information and advice online. The site will see eight topics, each running for six weeks - the first is around security.

Elizabeth Sparrow, who was made president of the BSC a month ago, said: “This is a public engagement programme and we are looking to improve the way information is sourced within society.”