The recently released survey was conducted by TNS and online privacy provider TRUSTe earlier this year. It found that citizens in both countries ranked the passport as the most appropriate document for the addition of biometric identifiers such as fingerprints or retinal scans, with 85 per cent support in Canada and 79 per cent support in the U.S. Canada plans to use facial recognition biometric technology in the Canadian passport. The U.S. Department of State is currently testing an electronic passport containing a computer chip with biometric information. Citizens in both countries (three-quarters of respondents) expressed the most concern over the high cost of implementing a biometric program. Second to cost respondents also felt there’s a high potential for government abuse of information. Six in 10 survey participants felt their personal privacy would be greatly reduced because the government would be able to track their movements. Canadians tend to have more faith and support for their government, said David Stark, privacy officer at TNS.
In the U.S., they value individual liberty more and believe the government should only intervene when necessary, he said.