# Fragrant Data Leakage Alerts 'Smell of Data' Emits an Unpleasant Scent When One's Data is Leaked By Joey Haar | Published 2016-10-13 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smell-of-data References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2016/10/12/smell-data-design-scent-alert-internet-users-security-leaks-technology-leanne-wijnsma/) & [smellofdata](https://smellofdata.com/) With Wikileaks making waves during the presidential election and the new Edward Snowden movie in theaters, the 'Smell of Data' is a novel and bizarre way to help people conceptualize the effects of their data being leaked. The tennis ball-sized device is a [scent diffuser](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aroma-diffuser-1) that connects via Bluetooth to consumer's computers and emits an [unpleasant metallic odor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-smell) as an alert to data leaks. Leanne Wijnsma, the artist behind the Smell of Data, was inspired by an infamous gas explosion in Texas in 1937. Because no one detected the odorless gas in the air, the government subsequently decided to add a harmless scent to odorless gasses, and that practice has since saved many lives. In the same way, the Smell of Data is meant to alert people to what would otherwise be undetectable -- a data leakage rather than a gas leakage. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Data Leakage Awareness:** Creating novel ways for people to understand and be alerted to the impact of data leakage. - **Sensory Technology:** Developing innovative devices that engage multiple senses to enhance user experiences and provide alerts. - **Cybersecurity Innovation:** Exploring new approaches to detecting and preventing data leaks in an increasingly digital landscape. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Technology:** Opportunity for technology companies to develop sensory-based cybersecurity solutions. - **Art and Design:** Using creative concepts in collaboration with technology to raise awareness about data privacy. - **Iot (internet of Things):** Integration of scent diffusers into smart home devices to provide data leakage alerts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Olfactory Entertainment Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moviescent.md) - [Multipurpose Scent-Releasing Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nosewise.md) - [AI-Generated Futuristic Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lafco.md) - [Scent-Releasing Gaming Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamescent.md) - [Fluidless Scent-Releasing Facemasks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-face-mask-1.md) - [Scent-Powered Photo Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scent-stimulation-device.md) - [Aromatic Memory Projection Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scent-camera-memory-station.md) - [AI-Powered Perfume Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/generation-by-osmo.md) - [Horror Film Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-scent-of-a-nightmare.md)