Biometric Technology Enjoys Strong Support from Consumers, Says CTA
ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As the number of consumer technology products with biometric sensors
grows, a majority (62 percent) of U.S. adults who have used biometric
technology are comfortable with it, according to new research from the
Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™. The report Biometric
Technologies: Understanding Consumer Sentiments also finds that
nearly two-thirds of all consumers support biometric technologies for
altruistic purposes in medical research (58 percent) and assistive
technology (67 percent).
“Biometric sensors are changing the world – whether it’s helping people
with Alzheimer’s and people with low vision identify their loved ones
through voice and facial recognition, or providing stronger, more
individualized personal security,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO,
Consumer Technology Association. “We are seeing a shift in consumer
perception of biometrics that demonstrates an understanding of the
benefits – such as streamlined security and personalized services – this
technology offers. And as consumers become more familiar with the
benefits of biometrics tech, that favorable perception will only grow –
the industry has an enormous opportunity here.”
The survey captures consumers’ perception levels with different
biometrics uses and settings, and trust levels with organizations likely
to manage biometric information. Key findings from the survey include:
-
Consumer awareness and adoption: Although fewer than half of
U.S. adults have adopted or used any biometric technology, digital
fingerprinting (29 percent) and voice recognition (13 percent) are the
most widely used technologies. Consumers are most familiar with
biometrics commonly portrayed in the media – such as DNA analysis –
and biometrics they have seen in the market, such as fingerprint
readers on smartphones. -
Consumer comfort levels: More than half of U.S. adults are
either very comfortable or comfortable with the use of biometrics in
locations commonly believed to already have a high degree of security
screening – airports and national borders – and places perceived to
lack safety such as high crime areas and public schools. Also, almost
half of consumers are comfortable using biometric technologies at home
and/or the workplace. -
Consumer trust levels: Organizations that consumers view as
traditionally handling sensitive information or those that serve
important life functions such as hospitals and banks have the highest
trust level (64 percent).
“Consumers increasingly demand targeted, relevant tech services and
products,” said Shapiro. “And as more consumer technologies include
innovations to improve accessibility and convenience, our industry is
committed to strong consumer data privacy protections and transparency.
Innovation and strong consumer privacy can and do co-exist.”
To show industry commitment, in 2015, CTA unveiled its Guiding
Principles on the Privacy and Security of Personal Wellness Data – a
first-of-its-kind set of voluntary privacy guidelines for private sector
firms that handle personal wellness data – the data often generated by
wearable technologies.
Biometric Technologies: Understanding Consumer Sentiments was
designed and formulated by CTA Market Research, the most comprehensive
source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends
for the consumer technology industry. The complete report is free to CTA
member companies at members.CTA.tech.
Non-members can purchase at store.CTA.tech.
About Consumer Technology Association:
Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM is the trade
association representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology
industry. More than 2,200 companies – 80 percent are small businesses
and startups; others are among the world’s best known brands – enjoy the
benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research,
technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the
fostering of business and strategic relationships. CTA also owns and
produces CES® – the world’s gathering place for all who
thrive on the business of consumer technology. Profits from CES are
reinvested into CTA’s industry services.
Contacts
Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
Izzy Santa, 703-907-4308
isanta@CE.org