SQS: Consumers distrust innovation tech

Technological developments, such as artificial intelligence (AI), are being neglected over hacking concerns, despite it having the potential to change our lives.

A study carried out by IT and business change specialist, SQS, shows that the majority of the public is reluctant to buy into the latest tech products because of safety issues and malicious cyberattacks.

The study results found that 56% of survey participants are worried that their connected home apps could be hacked into; 40% believe break-ins would increase if connected home had a flaw; 80% looking to buy AI products said they might reconsider because of targeting by hackers; 52% think that home robots could fall victims to cyber criminals with malicious intentions and 48% claimed that they would not purchase AI technology at all due to cyber threats.

‘Stringent software testing and quality assurance must be carried out’

SQS’ CEO, Dik Vos, commented on the findings: “Emerging technologies should be embraced as early as possible if the UK is to gain an economic and technological advantage over countries who are willing to become early adopters. But for this to happen, the consumer trust issues that we have uncovered need to be addressed first.”

“Safety concerns and cyber vulnerabilities should be the top priority for companies developing innovative technology, rather than added as an afterthought or worse, once catastrophe has already struck. It is crucial that companies adopt a quality-first approach to gain the trust of the consumer. If advances such as AI, self-driving cars, home robots and connected houses are going to take off in the UK, stringent software testing and quality assurance must be carried out at every stage of product development to guarantee the safety of this technology,” he added.

SQS study concluded that emerging technology could severely affect the UK’s economic growth and to prevent this, businesses and organisations have a duty to prove to the public that every precaution has been taken to protect and safeguard technological developments and ‘human life’.

Written from press release by Leah Alger

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