A recent study reveals that 61% of consumers believe deceased individuals’ identities are vulnerable to theft, and opinions are divided on the ethicality of using AI to recreate their online presence, highlighting growing concerns over digital privacy and legacy management. Experts urge proactive measures to safeguard digital identities.
22 August 2024 – A recent study titled “Excitement, Superstition, and Great Insecurity – How Global Consumers Engage with the Digital World” has brought to light significant concerns regarding the vulnerability of digital identities, particularly those of the deceased. According to the research, 61% of consumers believe that the identities of deceased individuals are especially susceptible to identity theft due to the lack of oversight after death. This raises critical questions about the protection of personal data in the digital age.
The study, along with insights from the “Digital 2024 Global Overview Report” by Kepios, which revealed that 95% of internet users are active on social media each month, underscores the growing importance of managing digital footprints. The report noted that 282 million new online identities were created between July 2023 and July 2024, further amplifying concerns over privacy and the ethical handling of digital identities.
Kaspersky’s study also revealed that over half of the respondents (58%) believe that AI could recreate the online presence of deceased individuals using photos, videos, and other digital mementos. However, opinions on this practice are divided, with 35% finding it acceptable, while a larger percentage (38%) actively opposes it, citing issues of privacy and respect. Additionally, 67% of respondents expressed that seeing digital representations of deceased individuals can be distressing to their loved ones, while 43% believe it is impossible to track and remove every digital trace of a person once published online.
The study highlights the importance of pre-emptive measures to manage one’s digital legacy, with 63% of respondents agreeing that individuals should include instructions in their will regarding the handling of their digital assets and social media accounts after death.
Anna Larkina, a web content analysis expert at Kaspersky, emphasized the need for proactive steps to secure digital identities. She stated, “Managing one’s digital footprint is often overlooked, yet it is crucial to take steps that enhance privacy and safeguard digital identities to prevent potential harm to individuals and their loved ones.”
To strengthen digital privacy, Kaspersky recommends using modern security solutions that monitor personal data usage, keeping systems and security software up to date, and utilizing online privacy tools to limit unnecessary data sharing.
