Equifax Survey shows Britain Prefers Biometric Verification

Credit reporting agency, Equifax, reports that Brits are much more open to adopting biometric authentication and identification. According to the research, more Brits are using technology and are happy with further increases in usage. Using biometric authentication to unlock your smartphones is one of the most used applications of the technology, but what about age verification in the pub? 

The company surveyed 2000 people. According to the survey, 71% of the participants are content with finger-print or facial recognition to completely replace the old-school PIN and passwords for accessing smartphones. Another 64% would welcome the same technologies to replace passwords for laptops. 60% of the respondents are okay with biometric authentication for age verification while the use of biometrics for voting ballots was backed by 58%. The people surveyed were more careful when it came to the usage of biometrics to unlock their front door (41%), start their car (45%), or withdraw cash (46%). 

Keith McGill – Head of ID & Fraud at Equifax said: 

“As the rise in financial fraud continues, particularly when it comes to identity theft, it’s essential we develop and embrace new and innovative means to protect consumers.”

One of the challenges of widespread usage of biometric authentication will be around privacy and data protection concerns. This being said, it is still imperative to embrace and enhance biometrics and relevant technologies to mitigate frauds and scams.