Privacy and Security threatens the adoption of Near Field Communications

Increasing concerns with the loss of privacy and security threatens the adoption of Near Field Communication (NFC) – Mark Ursell, CEO Tpoll

Future Tech Forum members feel that their privacy and security has become a trade-off of their increasingly tech integrated lives.

In the Future Tech Forum (FTF) Tpoll’s exclusive online forum of 100 tech enthusiasts, the latest topics are discussed in depth. Among the excitement of the benefits and capabilities of new devices, such as Google Glass, 4G internet speed and RFID in retail, members express concern with their increased loss of control and privacy.

The privacy and consent of what information we share is becoming blurred with the constant trails of information we voluntarily and involuntarily leave behind, both online and offline; from website tracking, searches and information shared on social media platforms, to smartphone app location trackers, NFC tracked journeys, retail loyalty cards, CCTV, etc.

Privacy is no longer thought to be something that is under control by the individual, but has somehow become a trade-off for involvement with technology. To some extent, concerns are rooted in the uncertainty of it all – who is it that is analysing your personal searches? What is it used for? Is it safe to purchase apps? What if your mobile device gets lost or stolen? 

“.. Things have got out of control with so many websites and apps popping up. The thing is, it is difficult to ignore and keep away from it but when you do get involved with it, your privacy is almost certainly gone. It’s difficult to achieve that fine balance.” Male, Gen X, UK

“It [security] does concern me, but I do feel the trade-off is worth it as I want to do as much as possible on-line or in the most efficient way.” Female, Gen Y, UK

“If you lose your phone it'll have lots of passwords, photos etc. on it and I'm not convinced by mobile banking yet or the safety of public Wi-Fi hotspots etc.” Female, Gen Y, UK

As ever more features are integrated into mobile devices, the value of them in our lives has become greater. Yet the issue that members are most concerned with, is the loss of control over tangible and intangible personal data.

At the height of these concerns lies the growth of contactless payments and NFC. NFC enabled smartphones is a development that FTF members argue takes security issues to a whole new level:

In spite of many of the forum members having heard of near field communication, few say that they use it themselves and the majority are not fully aware of what to do with it. 

Very few are comfortable with the idea of their smartphones storing credit card details and are wary of this development.

Technological advances are making consumers increasingly sceptical and in need of up-front assurance when looking into new services and devices.

Ultimately operators and manufacturers have a significant education task ahead, overcoming the fear of the unknown and addressing the ingrained worries about personal data security before NFC becomes anywhere near to significant consumer adoption.

For further information contact;

Alexandra Clark Alexandra.clark@tpoll.com

Tpoll 0203 176 0775