# Digital Alias Consumers seek digital discretion with identity-disguising tools. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Dec 10, 2015 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/digital-alias ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Digital Alias trend? **Digital Alias:** As concerns around digital security grow in the face of high-profile hacking scandals, consumers are embracing tools that disguise personal information while browsing online. Appealing to the conscientious user who realizes being online is unavoidable, such tools provide a trustworthy means of protecting one's identity. This shift speaks to the evolving relationship between consumers and their technology and the interest of maintaining privacy within a hyper-connected world. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 22, 2015 to Sep 21, 2016 - Published: Dec 10, 2015 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Digital Alias trend ### Anonymity Apps Consumers are increasingly seeking apps that guarantee anonymity and data privacy for various purposes such as voicing their opinions, reporting suspicious activities or freely expressing themselves online, and this trend presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for businesses in the cybersecurity and data analytics industries. ### Encrypted Communication Tools As consumers become more conscious of digital privacy threats, there is a growing demand for communication tools that ensure end-to-end encryption to make online interactions more secure, and this trend presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for businesses in the internet security and tech industries. ### Location-Based Privacy Tools With the rise of location-based apps, there is a growing interest in privacy tools that allow consumers to control their data privacy rights by using apps that offer privacy options, and this trend presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for businesses operating in the location-based marketing and advertising industries. ## What the Digital Alias trend means for industry ### For Cybersecurity The trend toward anonymity and data privacy creates a significant opportunity for cybersecurity firms to offer products and services that guarantee secure and anonymous online experiences for consumers. ### For Internet Security The demand for communication tools that ensure end-to-end encryption for online interactions is a growth opportunity for internet security companies to develop innovative products that meet the needs of consumers who are concerned about digital privacy. ### For Marketing and Advertising The rise of privacy tools that allow consumers to control their data privacy rights presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for marketing and advertising firms to adapt their business models and offer targeted marketing campaigns that respect privacy preferences. ## Workshop question How does hyper-connectivity impact the relationship between your consumer and your brand in terms of trust? ## Trend signals for Digital Alias Trend score 2.6 out of 10, from popularity 44%, activity 25%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 44% - Activity: 25% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Digital Alias trend 6 featured examples from May 22, 2015 to Sep 21, 2016. - [Encrypted Social Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/secure-social-network): 'Minds' is a Secure Social Network That Puts Privacy at the Forefront (Category: Tech) Implication: The growth of encrypted social apps provides opportunities for messaging app developers to integrate advanced encryption features and enhance user privacy. - [Anonymous Sharing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anonymous-sharing): The Candid App Lets You Freely Speak Your Mind (Category: Tech) Implication: The anonymous sharing trend presents opportunities for social media platforms to enhance user engagement by providing a safe space for open and honest conversations. - [Anonymous Transit Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anonymous-transit-app): This App Helps Commuters Report Suspicious Activity to Police (Category: Tech) Implication: Transit apps like the Sacramento Regional Transit app are disrupting the public transportation industry by prioritizing rider safety and convenience. - [Anonymous Political Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/discuss-politics): The 'We the People App' Lets Users Discuss Politics Anonymously (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The rise of anonymous political platforms such as 'We The People' presents disruptive innovation opportunities within the social networking industry, where privacy-focused platfor… - [Anonymized Workplace Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anonymous-app): This Anonymous App Helps You Complain About Work With Colleagues (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for companies to create secure messaging platforms that guarantee user privacy. - [Alias Creation Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/privacy-app): The 'Shuffle' Privacy App Helps You Conceal Your Personal Contact Information (Category: Tech) Implication: The technology industry can capitalize on the trend of privacy apps by developing innovative tools and platforms for enhanced online security. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)