Most popular Internet services/sites online in 2023. From AI to Temu

Dec 14, 2023 ·

2023 was a busy year for the internet. Cloudflare's Radar 2023 Year in Review looks at some of the biggest developments in online services, from emerging technologies to new security threats.

The development of 5G technology enabled many new possibilities and applications in the internet landscape. Smartphones, connected cars and other devices were able to access much faster download speeds than ever before, leading to the rise of Internet-of-Things (IoT) products. This enabled companies to offer more personalized services as well as faster and more reliable connections for their customers.

In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies continued to advance over the course of the year. Chatbots and virtual assistants became increasingly common, with the aim of providing better customer service. AI-driven content analysis also made it possible to better detect malicious activity on online platforms, such as phishing emails and fraudulent webpages.

As IoT devices grew more popular, cybercriminals had more opportunities to launch attacks. The number of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks increased, with attackers targeting large organizations, government websites and even home networks. To protect against these threats, businesses began investing in stronger cybersecurity measures, such as two-factor authentication and advanced malware protection.

2023 was also the year that blockchain technology began to truly revolutionize the world of finance. Cryptocurrencies experienced massive growth, with Bitcoin becoming one of the most popular digital assets. The use of decentralized applications (dApps) also grew in popularity, as users sought out secure ways to store sensitive data and transactions.

Finally, privacy concerns continued to be top of mind for both businesses and individuals. Governments began introducing new regulations to protect user data, while businesses began ramping up their efforts to ensure user data is kept private and secure. As the year came to a close, it was clear that the trend towards greater data privacy was set to continue into 2024 and beyond.