Malaysia boasts high internet penetration, driven by extensive infrastructure development and government initiatives to bridge the digital divide. As of recent data, Malaysia’s internet penetration rate exceeds 97%, with over 32 million internet users. This widespread connectivity is fueled by urbanization and the proliferation of mobile devices. The majority of internet users in Malaysia access the internet via mobile devices. The widespread adoption of smartphones and affordable mobile data plans has accelerated mobile internet usage.
Countries
Nigeria
Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, has experienced a rapid increase in internet usage. By 2024, the number of internet users in the country had grown to over 100 million, largely driven by the rise of smartphone penetration and the availability of affordable mobile data plans. This surge in online activity has necessitated the establishment of comprehensive governance frameworks that balance key priorities such as freedom of expression, security, and economic progress.
Internet governance in Nigeria is managed by multiple stakeholders who play different but interconnected roles. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) serves as the primary regulatory authority for telecommunications, ensuring that fair competition exists and that consumers’ rights are protected. Another key institution is the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which oversees the regulation and development of the information technology sector. The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy sets national policies related to internet access and digital inclusion, helping to bridge gaps in the digital landscape. Additionally, civil society organisations and private companies play an active role in advocating for internet rights and digital freedoms.
Consult Nigeria’s digital strategies and regulations
Follow Nigeria’s digital submarine cables
Northern Mariana Islands
Pakistan
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world’s fifth-most populous country, with a population of almost 243 million people, and has the world’s second-largest Muslim population. Pakistan is the 33rd-largest country by area. It has a 1,046-kilometre (650-mile) coastline along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman in the south, and is bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan to the west, Iran to the southwest, and China to the northeast. It is separated narrowly from Tajikistan by Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor in the north, and also shares a maritime border with Oman.
Saint Barthélemy
Reunion
Norway
Norway boasts one of the world’s most reliable and widespread broadband services. High-speed internet is widely accessible, even in remote areas. This connectivity is a cornerstone of Norway’s digital economy, facilitating everything from e-commerce to remote working. The country is a hub for innovation, particularly in areas such as maritime technologies, energy, and ICT. Oslo, Norway’s capital, is often considered a hotspot for startups, particularly tech startups that benefit from robust government support and access to a highly skilled workforce.
Norway’s approach to internet governance is characterised by a high degree of regulation in favour of privacy and data protection. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as adopted by Norway through the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, is a key component of its regulatory framework.The government’s overall vision is that the internet needs to continue to be an open and free arena where everyone can freely give and receive information and where human rights are protected.
Norway actively participates in international dialogues on internet governance. Norwegian stakeholders are active participants in various internet governance forums and initiatives at the regional and global levels. Norwegian stakeholders also participate in the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) events, which bring together stakeholders from the region to discuss digital policy-related issues and challenges. At the global level, Norwegian stakeholders participate in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
In June 2025, Norway will host the 20th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Lillestrøm, marking the forum’s 20th anniversary. This event will bring together over 4,000 participants from governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to discuss the future of the internet. The overarching theme is ‘Building Digital Governance Together’.