Gradual Acceptance
People appear to be willing to share a significant amount of personal information with organizations to prove or verify their identity; however, their propensity to share sensitive personal information with businesses and governments varies worldwide across geographic regions.
These insights are based on a Unisys Global Study. In March, 16,683 adults were asked their opinions about several proposed methods for managing identity within business and government organizations, and 1,661 responded. The survey — conducted by Ponemon Institute and prepared by Unisys Corp. and Dr. Larry Ponemon — consisted of 22 items and nine demographic questions. Questions on the survey were asked in random order. The Global Study on the Public’s Perceptions about Identity Management addresses individuals’ attitudes about the importance and value of various identity verification methods. Findings also include:
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According to respondents, the most important functions for a multi-purpose identity credential are to prove identity in order to access transportation channels (such as airplanes, trains and buses), enter public locations (stadiums, airports and others), cross borders (customs) and access Internet accounts.
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The least important functions for a multi-purpose identity credential are to use cellular telephones, enter workplace locations (office), drive automobiles (replace key), use PDAs or enter homes.
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While many individuals prefer that a multi-purpose identity credential reside on an ID card, a large number of respondents favor having it contained in a biometric, within a cellular phone, or in an article of clothing or jewelry.
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On average, respondents in all regions believe that banking institutions would be the most trusted to issue and manage the multi-purpose identity credential. In contrast, law enforcement (police) and tax authorities are the least trusted to issue identity credentials.
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Interoperability across national borders is critical to the success of the multi-purpose identity credential. That is, more than 68 percent of individuals believe it is important or very important that the credential be able to operate across national borders.
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A majority of respondents in all geographic regions accept the use of biometrics for identity verification purposes.
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A majority of individuals believe certain types of business and governmental organizations need to have more rigorous identity verification methods than others.
Of the 1,661 respondents representing a 9.96 percent overall response rate, 464 are North Americans, 427 are Europeans, 450 reside in Asia-Pacific, and 320 are Latin Americans.
The respondents around the world are supportive of one card or credential that will allow them to prove their identity with different organizations and functional uses. The most important features of this credential would be access to transportation, secure physical locations and crossing international borders.
The study found that respondents desire the identity management process to be convenient. It seems that smart cards, biometrics and chips imbedded in cell phones or articles of clothing are accepted by people in most countries. While respondents in Asian countries are more accepting of chip implants, the rest of the world does not hold a favorable view of this identity method.
With respect to biometrics, people are most receptive to voice recognition and fingerprints. They are uncertain about facial scans, hand geometry and iris scans.
People are supportive of a multi-purpose identity credential that operates across national borders. Most important is the ability to use this credential to travel safely, across national borders and to enter public places that require security safeguards. People in all regions of the world are also willing to share three key facts including their name, address and telephone number, but they do not want to share information about their race or religion.
