You are here: silicon.com > Public Sector > News

UK welcoming biometrics with open arms?

Three-quarters approve of their use...

Tags: biometrics, uk

By Gemma Simpson

Published: 17 October 2006 17:15 BST

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.

silicon.com Public Sector

Get the latest public sector news straight to your inbox. Sign up for the PS newsletter today!

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.

  1. Zones
  2. Management
  3. Networks
  4. Software
  5. IT Services
  6. Hardware
  1. Verticals
  2. Public Sector
  3. Financial Services
  4. Retail & Leisure

silicon.com Public Sector
Get the latest public sector news straight to your inbox. Sign up for the PS newsletter today!


  • Jobs
SERVICE MANAGER

The purpose of this role is to ensure the safe, reliable and cost effective delivery of all asset operations and maintenance works within the ...

IT Junior Software Tester

Demonstrable accuracy and attention to detailDue to the nature of our business all successful candidates will be subject to Criminal Records and ...

Computer Operations Support Technician

Hours of Work Normal shift patterns currently operating are: 0800 to 1600, 1200 to 2000 and 0900 to 1700, typically on a 3 week rotation.subject to ...

Nick Heath
Next stop HMRC: How TfL CIO will shake up the taxman
Interview: Phil Pavitt, CIO Transport for London, on making IT boring

Gary Bettis
Public sector CIOs: It's your time to shine
Comment: Efficiency programme offers big challenges and opportunities

Gary Lynch
How e-coding can prevent NHS slip-ups
Barcodes to run in their blood

silicon.com
Inbox: Chip and PIN latest big IDea - and still no readers
"PIN numbers do not present much of a challenge to a determined crook"

Jo Best
From army officer to IT chief - CPS CIO David Jones
Profile: What IT and the military have in common

silicon.com
Inbox: Government IT ignoring red lights?
"The civil servants who specify these projects are not competent technically"

Agenda Setters 2008
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.




Quick Sitemap Links: