By Gemma Simpson, 17 October 2006 17:15
NEWS
Even though most Brits don't actually understand what biometrics are, 76 per cent of people in the UK are now more in favour of them than a year ago, research from security company TSSI Systems has revealed.
But more than half (58 per cent) of respondents did not know if they had been subject to biometric checks when travelling abroad.
Increased personal safety was named as the biggest driver for the shift in attitudes with eight in 10 people changing opinions in the last year.
Three-quarters of people surveyed believe biometrics are important in combating terrorism, with only 17 per cent viewing intelligence information as more important to fighting terrorism than biometrics.
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The UK population appears to be ready to welcome biometrics into everyday life with only nine per cent of respondents actively against their use in areas such as the rail network, the Tube, shops and airline networks.
A separate study by IT services supplier Steria has found nine out of 10 UK flyers find increased security reassuring.
A third of respondents to the Steria survey admitted security processes are also a significant inconvenience, with 90 per cent keen to see the processes cut down, as long as this does not mean an increase in risk.
Comments
There are 6 comments. Join the discussion
1. Mike Richards
So the average Brit is saying 'I don't know what biometrics are, but they're wonderful!' ?
Now I know how the Home Office can claim widespread support for ID cards.
2. Karen Challinor
[sarcasm]...I loved the six million dollar man with that Steve Austin and his biometric's, running really fast, and being really strong...[/sarcasm]
3. anonymous
Perhaps the people carrying out the survey should have made their subjects first watch the clip from the Mythbusters TV show which recently appeared on YouTube.com and then got them to answer the questions.
In the clip Adam and Jamie open a supposedly uncrackle biometric door lock that checks for a pulse and perspiration as well as reading the fingerprint, using a photocopy of a fingerprint and some spit.
4. Simon
Sounds like the result of carefully leading questions to me !
Unless we know what questions were asked then it's impossible to know if the results are actually valid. After all, if you asked "Are you in favour of biometric security measures that will enhance security, stop terrorists, cure global warming, and have absolutely no security or privacy risks ?" then I'd expect a rather high positive return.
So, who commissioned the report, and what were the questions ?
5. Radical Meldrew
Nearly 8 out of 10 Brits have no idea what biometrics are but they are in favour of the idea - utter bull***t.
Wait until they suffer the IT blunders which cause nothing but mayhem and chaos and all at a grossly over budget cost.
Believe this spin, oh sorry..... "independent" survey at your peril.
The ideal security system should be a transparent aid to the process and not the high profile 'bite you in the bum' fiasco preferred by 8 out of 10 politicians.
6. Colin Milner
Sounds like great news for biometrics suppliers! Not so sure about the rest of us though.