More than two-fifths (45%) of UK consumers remain unconvinced that new technology is being governed well enough, especially when it comes to their personal data, yet it seems very few actually bother to read the online terms and conditions on how their information is being used.
According to Fujitsu’s "Driving a Trusted Future in a Radically Changing World" report, there are a number of challenges standing in the way of technology adoption in the UK.
Particular issues include security concerns around the sharing of personal data (35%), lack of trust in how organisations will use personal data (34%) and a lack of trust in the reliability of such technology (31%).
Despite this concern, only a fifth (21%) admitted they actually read the T&Cs around data when they are online, although many would argue most privacy notices are far too complex anyway.
While perceptions around technological innovation and its potential impact are vastly positive – nearly half (49%) agree technology is vital to the future success and health of society – there is a note of caution for technology providers.
Specifically there is a major gap in the UK’s comfort levels with new innovation, and a lack of understanding about the role it will play in the future, which, the study claims, points to a crisis of trust among consumers.
Many new technologies give Brits the jitters, including biometrics (52% raised concerns), robotics (51%), augmented reality (50%) and artificial intelligence (46%).
In addition many said they would never adopt technologies such as drones (31%), virtual reality (21%), robotics (21%) and AI (20%).
Ian Hunter, director of market development, Fujitsu said: "Technology is having an undeniable positive impact, not just on broader society but on the public’s personal lives. While citizens are excited about the impact technology is having, particularly in education and ’life admin’, they are still wary of some of the newer innovations.
"It’s clear that in order for the UK to remain at the forefront of the industry, more needs to be done to educate the public on the benefits that certain technologies can have on their lives now and in the future, and to build their trust in the security of those solutions.
"While great strides have been made by organisations to impact society positively, there is clearly much work to be done to reassure the public that technology can be trusted. Ultimately, having the trust of consumers is a privilege and not a right, and so organisational leaders need to be setting the bar high by always delivering the very best solutions, in the most responsible and sustainable way."
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