Survey conducted by ericsson consumerlab on security

BASIS FOR STUDY:
3,500 smartphone users in major cities in Asia, Europe and the US

GOAL: Understand the gap between consumer expectations and public services by examining the balance of security and privacy, and the impact that public safety solutions can have to bridge that gap.

SCOPE: In this study, the topic is safety and security. The purpose of being in control, feeling protected from injury, accidents and crime.

‍THE ENGAGED CITIZEN
Citizens have big expectations towards governments and public safety agencies. Community members are increasingly securing their own personal safety. They are engaged and are putting pressure on the authorities to close the gap between personal and public safety.

‍MAIN FINDINGS
1) Only one in three people perceive their city as safe.
2) Community members actively participate in safeguarding personal safety.
• Community members do not sit and wait for the authorities to act.
• Three out of four people already use emergency apps or features on their smartphones, and many express keen interests in using multiple security apps) Surveillance technology is welcomed.
• Half of smartphone users surveyed would like to see more police and surveillance technology in public places.

‍ENABLING PERSONAL SAFETY
Today, many community members take personal safety into their own hands by using internet enabled services and tools and by engaging in their social networks.

‍THE FOLLOWING FEATURES WOULD HELP USERS OF SMARTPHONE APPS TO REDUCE THE FEELING OF UNSAFENESS

• 37% Live video chat while walking in unsafe areas
• 38% Safe walking app – a digital assistant that follows you when walking in unsafe areas
• 39% Information sharing about the taxis, Ubers and Lyfts you ride in
• 44% Direct accident or crime reporting
• 46% Accurate real-time information about what to do in an emergency
• 47% Assault or emergency alarm app with automatic response
• 47% Alerts or mass dispatch during critical community emergencies