Consumer Trust in Tech Companies’ Ability to Protect Biometric Data Plummets

The trust in tech companies to protect biometric data has plummeted, according to a recent survey by GetApp. The study, which polled 1,000 consumers, found that only 5% of respondents now trust tech companies to keep their biometric data safe, a significant drop from 29% in 2022.

The increase in biometric usage during the pandemic, particularly for touchless payment options, has led to a shift in consumer comfort levels. The survey revealed that only half of respondents feel comfortable with fingerprint biometrics, down from 63% two years ago. Similarly, comfort levels with facial scans and voice scans have also decreased.

This growing unease is fueled by concerns about data breaches, misuse of personal information, identity theft, and compromised privacy. Additionally, consumers are skeptical about the accuracy of biometric technology, with nearly two-thirds expressing doubts about its reliability.

One of the key factors contributing to this decline in trust is the recent cases of facial recognition misidentification, particularly affecting people of color and women. While there is some support for facial recognition in security applications, such as passport control and device log-in, 82% of consumers believe it should be avoided if found to be biased.

Overall, the survey highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and enhanced security measures to protect personal information. Once consumers feel confident that their data is secure, they may be more willing to embrace biometric payments.