Final answer:
The majority of U.S. retailers now offer products or services online due to the widespread use of the internet and devices such as smartphones, with active websites counting closer to 200,000. Ensuring security for consumers in the digital space has become increasingly important.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the student's question pertains to the prevalence of U.S. retailers selling products or services online. As we look at the trends over the years, a significant shift towards online commerce can be observed, reflecting in the fact that a vast majority of retailers now present their offerings over the internet. This is not only due to the vast number of households owning televisions and spending a substantial amount of time watching them but also because of the widespread use of smartphones and other devices to access the web.
For example, the Pew Research Center noted the rates of reliance on smartphones for online access among different demographics, showing how integral these devices have become for internet usage. Moreover, as websites have become more abundant, with billions of people using the web, the actual number of active sites being closer to 200,000, the importance of online presence for retailers is unmistakable. Lastly, while the web offers great opportunities for connecting and conducting business, it also increases vulnerability to online threats, signifying the need for better security measures as consumers engage in online shopping.