Identity verification in a globalized world report by Regula presents the results of surveys of 750 digital nomads and 750 global fraud prevention decision makers on the ways companies confirm the identity of nomads and the experiences they have in undergoing ID verification procedures when they move.
The number of people who identify as digital nomads has increased dramatically in recent years; there are now 17 million such individuals in the United States alone.
These are the main conclusions of the report.
Eighty percent of companies reported an increase in identity fraud in recent months.
Currently, 57 percent of businesses use biometric verification, 53 percent use e-document verification, and 39 percent use blockchain-based identity verification. Digital ID wallets (49 percent) and behavioral biometrics (41 percent) are additional tools. A third of respondents plan to put each option into practice within a year.
Concerns about security and privacy are paramount for nomads and businesses alike. Digital nomads have noticed three main dangers associated with identity verification. They fear that performing identity verification over public Wi-Fi could put them at further risk of cybersecurity breaches, have their IDs lost or stolen, and have their identity information compromised.
When trying to verify their identity using foreign documents, digital nomads discovered which situations were the most challenging and useful. The top scenarios varied by country within each category. Financial transactions were the most annoying situation in Spain, opening a bank account was the biggest challenge in Britain and applying for a visa was the biggest challenge in the UAE.
In Mexico, Spain and Great Britain, booking a hotel was an easy option. Opening a bank account was the most accessible scenario in the United Arab Emirates, while checking into hotels and opening a bank account ranked first in the United States.
The US and UAE are the two countries where identity verification of foreign passports is the most frustrating. The easiest ID verification procedures for international visitors can be found in Germany.
Foreigners may find it difficult to renew documents once they expire. For those without a permanent address, proving residency is another difficulty. Additionally, PII may vary from document to document. The credibility of nomads seeking validity is usually damaged by these discrepancies.
