The global number of internet users has topped one billion for the first time, research has shown.

According to IT sector researcher comScore, the total global online audience - those aged 15 and over using home or office computers - reached the landmark figure in December 2008.

In a breakdown of the figures, Asia accounts for the largest proportion of internet users.

China outstrips the US for online audience, with 180 million unique users recorded, or an 18 per cent proportion of global web surfers - the US has a share of 16.2 per cent.

Those in IT jobs will be interested in the figures on most popular websites.

Google topped the chart, attracting almost 800 million unique visitors in 2008, with Microsoft sites and Yahoo! the next most popular.

Magid Abraham, the president and chief executive officer of comScore, said the one billion figure was a "significant landmark" in the history of the web.

"The second billion will be online before we know it, and the third billion will arrive even faster than that, until we have a truly global network of interconnected people and ideas that transcend borders and cultural boundaries," he commented.

comScore are consumer behaviour specialists, analysing online trends on behalf of businesses.

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