More than 4 in 5 Americans support airport biometrics, Unisys survey shows

A large majority of Americans support the use of biometrics to verify their identities at airports, amid growing concern about the safety of public events, according to the new 2019 Unisys Security Index.

The report shows 81 percent approve of airport biometrics, 42 percent due to security concerns, and roughly one third each mainly for the reliability and convenience benefits. Among those who do not support airport biometrics, a lack of trust in the government or airport authorities are the most commonly cited reasons why.

IATA recently resolved to accelerate the deployment of its One ID biometric initiative to prepare for a looming capacity crunch.

More than one in five people in the U.S. (22 percent) have cancelled or are considering cancelling plans to attend large-scale public events due to concerns for either their physical or data security. Half of respondents are “extremely” or “very concerned” about physical attacks, and 83 percent are worried about a criminal attack at events such as sports or concerts.

The potential for data to be stolen over WiFi at events is a concern for 81 percent, and 78 percent are worried about theft of their credit card data over WiFi.

Many survey respondents around the world are “very or extremely concerned” about identity theft (63 percent), bank card fraud (58 percent), and the threat of terrorism to national security (58 percent).

“The 2019 Unisys Security Index shows that security concerns remain high in the U.S., a condition that has now extended to leisure time activities such as travel and attending sporting events or music festivals,” says Unisys Chief Trust Officer Tom Patterson. “These concerns relate to physical security but are just as high when it comes to online personal data security. Many consumers believe biometric-based technologies can help, but government and private companies that hold this data have to do more to convince them their data – and identities – will remain safe and secure.”

Unisys recently launched biometric identity management software to support large-scale enrollments.

Article Topics

airports  |  biometric data  |  biometrics  |  data protection  |  security  |  travel and tourism  |  Unisys