Microsoft, Nokia, Gemalto and Philips team up to advance “Trust in Digital Life”

At the Future of the Internet conference in Prague, Microsoft, Nokia, Gemalto and Philips announced a new initiative that will address the fundamental societal issue of trust in new and emerging digital services.

The initiative aims to bring European public and private stakeholders together to advance Trust in Digital Life through the development of a common vision. Based on the vision, the initiative will create an agenda for innovation and promote alignment of public and private policies.

Consumers’ trust is key to the adoption and success of future digital services in industries such as communications, commerce, healthcare, and administration. Erosion of privacy and crime can seriously hamper the worldwide economic growth. According to a recent Unisys Security Index survey, identity theft and bank cards fraud are the top two concerns in a consumer’s digital life. These trust issues even surpass other fears outside the digital life such as national security and epidemics.

This joint initiative aims to help consumers overcome the fear of identity fraud and data breaches that have dampened trust in digital services. Trust in Digital Life takes a multi-disciplinary approach – involving users, markets, legal and societal aspects, and technology – that will accelerate research and development of trustworthy technologies and products.

In the spirit of open innovation, the founding members welcome a broad membership. The initiative invites other partners that share the vision of Trust in Digital Life. Success lies in taking a collaborative approach, between the participants in the initiative and with broader industry and governments. The group will coordinate with other European initiatives in this field.