# Identity Protection Digital brands seek to enhance user privacy. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Dec 3, 2018 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/identity-protection ## Key Figures - Trend score: 1.6/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Identity Protection trend? **Identity Protection:** With large brands like Facebook profiting off of user data and being constantly critiqued for it, there is now a growing trend in the opposite direction–where brands are ensuring user privacy and in some cases, even allowing customers to control their personal data themselves. ## The consumer insight behind the Identity Protection trend The acceleration of data breaches and instances of consumer data exploitation are on the radar of individuals who are increasingly wary about the platforms they use and how their valuable information is stored in the digital environment. Since consumers are moving much of their personal and financial interactions online due to a desire for efficiency and convenience, many are looking for ways to ensure that their data is secured and their privacy maintained for added peace of mind and safety. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 12 to Sep 10, 2018 - Published: Dec 3, 2018 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Identity Protection trend ### Privacy-First Social Apps The trend of privacy-focused social apps allow individuals to better control their personal information and to stay in touch with people in a secure manner. ### Telecom VPN Services The trend of VPN services offered by telecoms allows individuals to remain secure while they are connected to public Wi-Fi networks. ### Blockchain-Based Identity Management The trend of blockchain-based identity management solutions promotes security, transparency and control over personal data and combats online anonymity and trolling. ## What the Identity Protection trend means for industry ### For Social Media In order to stay relevant, social media platforms need to focus on increasing privacy protections for their users. ### For Telecom Telecom companies can capitalize on the trend of VPN services to provide greater security and data protection to their customers. ### For Financial Services Financial services companies can leverage blockchain technology to provide more transparent and secure identity verification and management solutions. ## Workshop question How could your brand better ensure privacy for its customers? ## Trend signals for Identity Protection Trend score 1.6 out of 10, from popularity 18%, activity 23%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 18% - Activity: 23% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Identity Protection trend 4 featured examples from Apr 12 to Sep 10, 2018. - [Identity Management Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trollteq): Trollteq Uses the Blockchain to Remove Anonymity from Online Trolls (Category: Tech) Implication: The use of blockchain and identity management solutions presents opportunities for innovative cybersecurity solutions. - [Privacy-Respecting Social Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/privacy-social-app): This App Lets You Safely Stay in Touch With the People in Your Life (Category: Tech) Implication: The social media industry can benefit from developing privacy-focused and supportive social apps. - [User-Controlled Personal Data](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humanityco): Hu-Manity.co Wants Users to Have Control Over Their Own Data Online (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The data privacy industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities in developing platforms and solutions that enable individuals to have ownership and control over their pe… - [Telecom VPN Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verizon-safe-wifi): The Verizon Safe Wi-Fi VPN Keeps User Data Private (Category: Tech) Implication: Telecom brands can take advantage of the increasing demand for VPN services to offer advanced security solutions, generating additional revenue streams. ## 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)