Security concerns continue to hamper UK m-payments take-up

14 October 2011 | 7485 views | 2 Fingers on smartphone keypad

Only 17% of Brits want to use their mobile phones as wallets, with security concerns the chief reason for reticence, according to a survey from Intersperience.

The consumer research outfit, which quizzed 1000 UK adults, says 44% of respondents cite a lack of security software in mobiles, as their chief concern when it comes to using their handsets to make payments.

Almost a quarter worry that their mobile is more likely to be stolen than their wallet while the same percentage say that using their phone for payment "feels less secure but I'm not sure why".

The research also shows that Brits are far more comfortable connecting to the Internet via a fixed connection on a PC than through a smartphone. Only 11% would hesitate to make a purchase via their computer, compared to 37% through their mobile.

Currently, just eight per cent of adults use their mobile to buy things but attitudes seem to be changing, with 21% of people saying they would like to use their handset to purchase something in future.

Paul Hudson, CEO, Intersperience, says: "Today's adults may be adopting a cautious stance on mobile payments but we expect the next generation to take a bolder approach. Our research showed that under-18s are much more comfortable both with the concept of shopping via mobile phone and mobile wallet systems. Digital Natives will be in the vanguard of mobile commerce."

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Craig Lawrance - Xypro Security Solutions - Europe | 14 October, 2011, 14:48

Research of somewhat limited value then. Where were the youngsters in this research? It's the young who will drive the change in our society.

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Steve Brunswick - Thales - Long Crendon | 19 October, 2011, 05:44

Although not reported in this Finextra post, there are some stats in the press release referred to about the attitude of younger people: “The younger generation emerged as the keenest future fans of mobile commerce as one in three (33%) said they would like to use their mobiles to buy in future. Under 18s are also keener on mobile wallets or payment systems, with 25% happy to use one instead of a traditional payment method.” Click here for the press release.

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