Users worry about data theft of deceased

LAHORE: Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky’s recent study titled ‘Excitement, Superstition, and Great Insecurity -- How Global Consumers Engage with the Digital World’ reveals that 61 per cent of consumers believe the identities of the deceased are particularly vulnerable to identity theft, as there is often no one left to monitor what happens to their information online.

Regarding the recreation of one’s online presence using artificial intelligence (AI), 35 per cent of respondents find it acceptable, while a larger portion, 38 per cent, actively disagrees. This highlights ongoing concerns about privacy and respect in the digital realm.

According to the Digital 2024 Global Overview Report conducted by consultancy firm Kepios, 95 per cent of internet users now use social media every month, with 282 million new identities joining during the July 2023 and July 2024 period. As more people interact online and their digital footprints expand, concerns about privacy, legacy and the ethical use of digital identities become increasingly relevant.

More than half of the respondents, 58 per cent, agree that the online presence of deceased individuals could be recreated using AI.

Interestingly, 67 per cent of people believe that seeing images or stories about those who have passed away can be upsetting for their loved ones. However, 43 per cent of consumers are confident that there is no time limit on finding every image, video, or voice recording ever published online related to a specific person.

Since the only measure consumers can take to control their digital footprint after death is to include instructions in their will, 63 per cent agree that anyone with an online presence should specify in their will what should be done with their data and social 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. Given these risks, it is prudent to adopt proactive measures that enhance privacy and safeguard digital identities.