Consumer concern over posthumous digital identity theft grows

A recent Kaspersky survey reveals considerable concern among consumers regarding the posthumous vulnerability of digital identities.

The study, titled "Excitement, Superstition and Great Insecurity: How Global Consumers Engage with the Digital World," shows that 61% of respondents believe that the identities of the deceased are particularly susceptible to identity theft.

The research by Kaspersky also delves into the ethical considerations surrounding the recreation of one's online presence using artificial intelligence (AI). While 35% of respondents find it acceptable to use AI to recreate the digital identities of the deceased, a larger portion, 38%, actively disagrees with this practice. The results underscore ongoing concerns about privacy and respect in the digital realm.

According to the Digital 2024 Global Overview Report by Kepios, nearly 95% of internet users engage with social media at least once a month, adding 282 million new users between July 2023 and July 2024. This rapid growth in digital engagement amplifies concerns regarding privacy, legacy, and the ethical use of digital identities.

Moreover, 58% of respondents agree that AI could potentially recreate the online presence of individuals who have passed away. However, opinions on the acceptability of this vary, with many expressing discomfort. Additionally, 67% acknowledge that seeing images or stories of deceased individuals can be upsetting to those who knew them personally, while 43% believe it is challenging to locate every image, video, or voice recording about a specific person published online.

In an effort to manage their digital presence posthumously, 63% of respondents agree that individuals with an online presence should specify in their will what should happen to their data and social media accounts.

“The issue of managing one’s digital footprint is often overlooked in daily online activities. However, the survey results underscore a critical point: a significant number of respondents are aware of the potential for stolen identities to cause immense personal trouble for users, or their loved ones.” said Anna Larkina, web content analysis expert at Kaspersky.

To enhance digital privacy, Kaspersky recommends employing modern security solutions to monitor personal data processed by apps, keeping operating systems, browsers, and security software up to date, and using online privacy checkers to limit information sharing.

The Kaspersky survey provides significant data on public attitudes towards digital identity and its ethical implications. Conducted by Arlington Research in June 2024, the survey included 10,000 respondents worldwide, with specific inputs from the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Kazakhstan, India, China, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa.