BEIJING -- The internet has played a key role in aiding China's battle against COVID-19 in 2020, with the total number of registered "health QR code" users nearing 900 million since the outbreak, says a report on China's internet development unveiled Wednesday.

Health QR codes, automatically generated quick response codes assigned to people as an indicator of their health status, were introduced by a national integrated government service platform among China's wider epidemic prevention and control efforts.

Code-based access has been realized in most parts of the country, with big data playing its role in COVID-19 control and the resumption of business and manufacturing, according to the statistical report released by the China Internet Network Information Center.

Meanwhile, China has seen a rapidly expanding e-learning user base and growing needs for internet-based healthcare services since the coronavirus outbreak.

As of December 2020, e-learning and online health service users totaled 342 million and 215 million, accounting for 34.6 percent and 21.7 percent of China's total internet population, respectively, says the report.

The report foresees further roles of the internet in boosting economic recovery, ensuring the functioning of society and promoting international cooperation on curbing COVID-19.