Conference Explores Risks and Societal Implications of Identity Theft

Introduction

The 11th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance was held in New York earlier this year. The conference brought together experts from around the world to discuss the risks and societal implications of identity theft.

Growing Concern of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing concern globally, with victims suffering not only financial losses but also emotional distress. According to recent studies, the global cost of cybercrime has been estimated at over $6 trillion annually, with online fraud and identity theft being significant contributors.

Presentations and Findings

The conference featured presentations from researchers and experts in the field, who shared their findings on the economics of online crime, the impact of identity theft on victims, and the societal implications of this growing problem. The speakers included:

• Dr. Tarmo Kalvet, Marek Tiits, and Pille Ubakivi-Hadachi, who discussed the consequences of identity theft victimization, including emotional and physical health outcomes.
• Van de Weijer et al., who presented a study on the determinants that influence a person’s decision to report identity theft, consumer fraud, or hacking.

Importance of Reporting Cybercrime

The conference highlighted the importance of reporting cybercrime. According to van de Weijer et al.’s study, factors such as age, education level, and experience with online services can influence an individual’s decision to report identity theft, consumer fraud, or hacking.

Combating Identity Theft with Technology

In addition to discussing the risks and societal implications of identity theft, the conference also explored the use of technology in combating this crime. The speakers emphasized the need for a harmonized framework that allows for sustainable and robust identity management technologies, such as ePassports, which can help prevent identity theft and protect citizens’ personal data.

Conference Support

The conference was supported by the European Commission through the project “Harmonized framework allowing a sustainable and robust identity for European Citizens” (EKSISTENZ) and a grant from the Estonian Science Foundation.

Conclusion

The 11th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance provided a platform for experts to share their knowledge and insights on the risks and societal implications of identity theft, and to explore ways to mitigate this growing problem.