Analysis of the ePassport readiness in the EU

The FIDELITY project finds broad social acceptance of the potential solutions to be built into next generation ePassports absolutely crucial. Therefore, in this report, the societal readiness and acceptance of specific technology options in relation to the potential next generation of ePassports is carefully considered. In doing so, the existing theoretical and empirical literature on the need for ePassports including its perceived benefits and risks were reviewed. This includes the need for ePassports, public trust and social acceptability of ePassports, ethical considerations in relation to privacy, social injustice and discrimination, and public perception on ePassports. Furthermore, this current study also analysed social acceptance of specific technology options for the establishment of identity, identity checks by public and private service providers and identity checks by domestic and foreign border control authorities.

As a part of the current study, an on-line survey of regular citizens was carried out between February – March 2014 in Estonia, France, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. These countries represent a selection of Europe’s larger and smaller nations, plus the USA for broader comparison. More than 400 complete questionnaires were collected from each of the above countries.