Fears over identity theft, viruses and confusing technology could prove a bigger bar to getting more people online than cost, a report has claimed.
Broadband Minded, an investigation by Consumer Focus, said the Government might have to rethink its online strategy, saying that much work is needed to convince sceptical technophobes of the benefit of being connected.
Among other factors mentioned for a reticence to go online are a lack of motivation, a reluctance to change behaviour, cost and unfamiliarity with the technology and terminology
Consumer Focus chief executive Mike O'Connor said: "Millions of people are still not online, many of them on low incomes.
"Only by dealing with consumers' fears and promoting the online benefits that appeal to those on low incomes will more people be encouraged to get connected."
Consumer focus wants to see a range of measures, including internet-connected TVs, independent technical advice and contract-free options, introduced in order to boost the number of web-connected Britons.