Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that has gained immense popularity in recent years, offering a revolutionary way to seamlessly integrate digital information into the real world. AR technology superimposes digital information, such as images, videos, 3D models, or sound, on to the real world. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which immerses users in a completely digital environment, AR enhances the physical world by adding digital elements. This overlay can be achieved through various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, and headsets.

You may be familiar with AR if you have recently purchased or looked at furniture online. Many retail websites/mobile apps offer Augmented Reality to show how a piece of furniture will look in the user’s living spaces – and all users need is their smartphone camera! Alternatively, you may have utilized AR if you have ever used social media to overlay filters, effects and interactive elements onto your photos or videos!

How Does AR Work?

AR relies on a combination of hardware and software to function. The hardware includes cameras, sensors, and displays on devices such as smartphones, tablets, headsets or AR glasses. These devices capture the real-world environment, process the data, and then display digital content on the user's screen in real-time. Software plays a crucial role in recognizing the environment, tracking objects, and aligning digital content with the physical world. AR applications and platforms enable the creation and deployment of augmented reality experiences. These applications use computer vision algorithms to recognize and track real-world objects, allowing digital content to interact seamlessly with the environment.

Impact on Industries

Augmented Reality is reshaping industries by improving efficiency, enhancing user experiences, and creating new opportunities for innovation. The potential for AR's impact is vast, and it continues to evolve and expand its reach. The following are examples of how AR can be and is already being used in different industries:

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its promising potential, AR faces challenges such as privacy concerns, technological limitations, and the need for widespread adoption. However, ongoing advancements in hardware, software, and increased investment suggest a bright future for augmented reality in various fields.

In summary, augmented reality represents a groundbreaking technology that blurs the lines between the digital and physical realms. Its applications span various fields, and its impact on industries is profound. As AR continues to evolve, its applications across diverse industries are poised to transform the way we learn, work, and interact with the world around us.

Companies collect personal information from users each time they visit a website, set up an online account, or use internet connected devices; however, most people do not know what kind of personal data is collected. According to Pew Research Center, 79% of Americans believe that have no control over what personal data is collected by companies. While it may seem that way, companies are obligated to explain how they collect and use people's data within their Privacy Policy. Additionally, account privacy and security settings often allow users to choose how their data is collected and used.

For example, when you talk to Amazon's Alexa from your phone, Amazon Echo, or any other smart device, your voice is recorded and saved on Amazon's Cloud until manually deleted and the stored recordings are available for Amazon employees to listen to. Fortunately, Amazon's account privacy settings allow users to delete voice recordings automatically, after a set time period, and prohibit Amazon employees from listening to the saved recordings. All the user has to do is login to their account and change the settings to what they are comfortable with. 

Unfortunately, there are online accounts and mobile applications that require certain personal information in order to access their services. For those companies, the personal information collected is of tremendous value; however, it is up to each individual to decide whether the service they are getting in return is worth the data they must hand over, even when the service is free. 

DATA PRIVACY DAY

Data Privacy Day began in the US in 2008, commemorating the signing of Convention 108 - the first legally binding treaty dealing with privacy and data protection. In 2014, the US Congress adopted S. Res. 337, a non-binding resolution expressing support for designating January 28 "National Data Privacy Day." 

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) encourages everyone to learn about and understand how to protect their online data. They advise everyone to check the privacy and security settings on every app, account or device and adjust the settings to a level of privacy and security they are comfortable with. It doesn't have to be all at once. They advise starting with the accounts that are used the most frequently, then make a habit of updating one account per week until all of your accounts are updated with the privacy settings of your choice. On the NCSA website there is an in-depth list of common websites and apps with direct links to the account privacy and security settings or to read the company's privacy policy. 

The NCSA also recommends reading a company's Privacy Policy before signing up for an account to get a better understanding of what data is collected and what  they will do with that data. While many people are worried about their privacy online, few will actually read the privacy policies to learn how companies are using their personal information. A survey performed by Deloitte revealed that 90% of consumers accept legal terms and conditions without reading them. The survey also found that more than 81% of consumers feel they have lost control over the way their personal data are collected and used; however, only 13% of consumers said they never share personal information online. In order for users to understand and control how their data is being collected and used, they must learn what they can do to protect their personal information. 

Privacy Awareness for Small Businesses 

For businesses that collect consumer's data, trust is crucial to the consumer relationship. Consumers trust that the personal information they share is protected. While businesses may never knowingly put their consumer's data at risk, lax security practices can jeopardize a company's sensitive data and expose them to threats. Any company that has a website, communicates electronically via email, or stores customer information in an electronic database has a potential risk of getting hacked if the right precautions are not in place. 

Data Privacy Day is an excellent reminder to create, what the NCSA calls a, "Culture of Privacy" at work by teaching all employees what privacy means to your company and the role each person plays in making sure that client and customer's privacy is achieved and maintained. 

The NCSA's website provides a list of resources for small businesses, including: