Enthusiasm for biometrics grows in the US

In the US, identity theft is a growing problem, with the Federal Trade Commission recording 9.9 million victims in 2003.Yet, according to Eric Sinrod, of lawyers Duane Morris, despite warnings, many consumers appear unable to implement the most basic security precautions to combat it. A survey by US think-tank, the Ponemon Institute, supports this finding, revealing that more than 70 per cent of consumers will share personal or security information in response to unsolicited approaches. However, those surveyed appear receptive to alternative methods of identification management, with 69 per cent open to using biometrics, 19 per cent being uncertain and 12 per cent averse. Of those receptive to biometric identification, 88 per cent are in favour of this technology because it is convenient and no passwords are required. The same percentage are willing to try fingerprint identification and 84 per cent are interested in voice recognition as identification, due to its speed and convenience. Seventy-five per cent view a single, secure and private means of identification issued by a trusted organisation as a convenient means of establishing identity in multiple scenarios.