How Technology Kept Consumers Safe in 2021

We’ve seen some strong technology trends emerge in 2021. In this post, we will look at some key ways in which technology has kept consumers safe in 2021.

There’s no denying that consumers want credible, relevant, current, and easy-to-understand information in order to make the right purchase decisions that reflect their particular preferences. In the age of information overload, probably what we need most right now is better consumer information. Price comparison websites, for example, have made a huge difference in making it much easier for customers to evaluate different offers and make the best purchasing decision.

In recent years, the consumer credit industry has seen an increase in the number of new suppliers and types of consumer credit. Not knowing how online platforms work and the new types of credit arrangements can swiftly put consumers at a significant disadvantage.

Smart technological solutions invariably come in handy during tough times. People who were wary of the latest virtual shopping apps were finally convinced when they had no other option during the lockdowns we saw in 2020. Virtual Wallets, for instance, are now being used in most countries not only for shopping but also for regular payments such as utility bills. These innovations have now become an integral part of our lives. We have adopted a range of new technologies to protect ourselves against the COVID-19 virus.

Key Ways That Technology Has Kept Consumers Safe in 2021

Protecting Minors

This year, major issues such as child pornography have been highlighted worldwide, and in response, many companies have taken action to avoid child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Files with hashing technology are becoming increasingly popular. Hashing technology is particularly useful to protect user privacy – because moderators can use this technology to find a match, and they can take action without having to look at the content.

Safe Online Shopping

With lockdown restrictions sweeping the globe and continuing into 2021, stores in many countries were subject to restricted hours and at times complete shutdown. In this context, delivery systems and contactless payments became very useful to serve local buyers. Existing online stores often made the most of market potential during the lockdown, while also encouraging people to stay safe at home thanks to having the option to shop online. 

Paper currency had been with us for so long that in many countries, senior citizens only trusted cash transactions. The COVID-19 pandemic greatly accelerated the adoption of contactless payment methods, even among previously-hesitant demographics such as older people. With more and more companies and even government institutions promoting contactless payments, many people now trust this technology.

This has been supported by strict compliance with the legal requirements such as proper digital documentation and invoicing. EPOS systems and other payment systems have emerged to make online payments a lot easier, whether paying bills or shopping online.

Limiting Online Harassment

Technology can be used as a force evil – such as sexism, hate speech, spammers, and scammers –as well as good, allowing individuals to discover love, meaningful relationships, and amusement through the internet.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have greatly helped to tip this balance in the right direction, with the advancement of technology for detecting online abuse. As new phrases and meanings are uploaded to websites like Urban Dictionary every week, it is becoming increasingly difficult to track how people express themselves online, which is where AI-assisted processes with a human expert in the loop come in handy.

Virtual Workplaces                  

Employees have generally reacted favorably to the ease of work from home, but businesses are also reaping the perks of the remote work model, such as reduced rental and other office expenses. Early evidence suggests that remote employees are up to 40% more productive than their in-office colleagues. So it’s not surprising that some businesses are predicting they would have no office at all by 2030. 

With numerous digital giants, including Twitter and Facebook, declaring plans for more permanent work-from-home arrangements post-COVID, it's safe to assume that 'business as usual will never be the same. Though this comes with its pros and cons, it’s undeniable that working from home and its associated technologies are keeping workers safe from illness.

Virtual Clinics 

Online healthcare apps are making a huge contribution to the medical sector in 2021. Patients can schedule online video sessions with specialist doctors throughout the country without paying a visit to a clinic. This remote medical consultation is already making life easier, especially for the patients living in remote areas or those who cannot travel long distances. 

Contactless Convenience

Contactless technology is reshaping the post-COVID consumer experience, from touch-free purchases and 'simply walk out' shopping to biometric check-in for travel and accommodation. Even when buying in-store, almost 90% of US customers now choose touchless or self-checkout capabilities. Additionally, as security becomes more important in our increasingly globalized society, facial recognition security systems are becoming more widespread.

These secure and unquestionably useful advances in technology are made possible by more powerful processors and memory chips, better image sensors, stronger AI, and quicker communications networks, all of which will only advance further in the coming years.