Biometric Systems in the Czech Republic: Friends or foes?

This article provides a representative survey of the public attitudes of the Zlín region in the Czech Republic. The aim was to gain information from ordinary citizens on their feelings and attitudes to several key questions on biometric technologies and associated security and safety issues. As this region is one of the more progressive and peaceful regions within the Czech Republic, this should be reasonably representative of a global norm. The respondents consider personal safety to be very important and were comfortable that their security is ensured by advanced technology systems such as BR. However, there were underlying concerns of possible misuse and the resulting personal and privacy risks. Overall, the conclusion is that the underlying security and reliability must prove itself to the general populace and sufficient legal frameworks must be provided to ensure public confidence and trust.