Emerging Technologies: Consumer trust has always been a cornerstone of company success. However, in 2025, it is becoming more complex and vital. With technology advancing rapidly, companies use innovative tools to provide transparency, security, and authentic customer engagement.
These Emerging Technologies are changing how consumers interact with brands, creating opportunities for deeper connections and more reliable interactions.
Growing Consumer Trust Issues
Consumers today are increasingly aware of the risks they face when trusting brands, especially regarding product safety and reliability. Highlighted cases of product defects, deceptive marketing, and data breaches have all contributed to a climate of scepticism.
In particular, product liability issues have attracted significant attention as many consumers question whether companies are putting profits ahead of public safety. A prominent example that has sparked a backlash is infant formula.
According to TorHoerman Law, cow milk-based formulas have been linked to an augmented risk of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a dangerous condition that affects the lining of a baby’s intestines. Abdominal pain and bloating, difficulty breathing, changes in heart rate, and food intolerance are some signs of NEC.
After learning of the harmful effects, parents have filed lawsuits against formula manufacturers. The lawsuit has raised alarm among parents and reignited debate about how companies manage quality control and respond to security concerns.
According to the PwC survey, data protection is another key factor influencing consumer trust. About 83% of respondents consider it the greatest important factor, followed by product quality and obtainability. The company’s attitude towards its employees is also an essential factor.
Blockchain: Providing Transparency and Accountability
Blockchain technology is rapidly becoming a fundamental tool for building consumer trust by providing unprecedented transparency.
Unlike traditional databases, blockchain’s decentralised nature makes unauthorised changes to records virtually impossible to trace. It provides secure documentation and verification of all stages of a product’s lifecycle, from initial procurement to point of sale.
Consumers can scan a product to track its supply chain and full history, including manufacturing details, delivery times, and quality checks. This transparency is essential in industries where authenticity and safety are paramount, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods.
A trusted blockchain empowers consumers to make more informed choices, while companies benefit from a system that prevents fraud and unfair practices. In a marketplace overwhelmed by counterfeit products and misinformation, blockchain offers a distinct advantage in restoring consumer trust.
AI and Predictive Analytics: Stopping Problems Before They Happen
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing companies’ management of risk and customer relationships by providing predictive analytics and rapid problem detection. The system can process massive amounts of data from manufacturing processes, supply chains, and customer feedback. This analysis helps identify patterns that indicate potential defects or contamination before products reach the end consumer.
Early warning allows companies to act quickly to minimise damage and protect their reputation. In addition to preventing risks, AI improves customer service by providing immediate responses through chatbots and personalised messages. This immediacy reassures customers that their safety and satisfaction are a priority.
While AI can help build consumer trust, it is also essential to use it effectively. As an article on Entrepreneur.com notes, some customers may not trust AI, so it is necessary to integrate it responsibly. Survey shows that it is best to focus on human control when integrating AI.
The Impact of Cryptocurrency and Decentralised Technologies
The increase of cryptocurrency and decentralised finance (DeFi) changes consumer expectations around security and transparency. These technologies offer a business model based on openness and user control, where transactions are publicly recorded on secure ledgers.
As these decentralised systems are adopted in other industries, companies can provide consumers with more transparent information about their transactions. This builds trust, making processes more transparent and less susceptible to manipulation.
Additionally, blockchain-based smart contracts automate and enforce agreements without human error or bias, ensuring consumers are treated fairly and securely. As these principles become more widespread, consumers become more comfortable using digital platforms and sharing data.
Digital Marketing and Genuine Engagement
In 2025, digital advertising will no longer be about pushing products; it will be about creating genuine connections with consumers through transparency and engagement. Technologies like augmented reality (AR) and computer-generated reality (VR) are increasingly being used to make immersive experiences. They allow consumers to explore products in detail before purchasing, reducing uncertainty and building trust.
Brands also use social media and interactive platforms to solicit customer feedback, answer questions openly, and involve users in product development. This two-way communication breaks down barriers, turning customers into active participants rather than passive consumers.
Authenticity has become a valuable marketing currency, as consumers value honesty and openness over glittering promises. Digital marketing strategies prioritising these elements help brands build a communal of loyal fans who trust and support them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role will regulation play in building consumer trust in 2025?
While technology has significantly increased transparency and security, regulatory oversight remains important. Updated laws on data protection, product safety, and advertising practices are helping to establish a baseline for accountability. In many sectors, regulations are evolving to keep pace with novelties like artificial intelligence and blockchain.
How do consumers verify brand claims using Emerging Technologies?
Many consumers now rely on third-party verification tools and platforms to check the accuracy of brand claims. Independent audits, blockchain-based certification systems, and open-source product data make verifying company claims easier. Trust no longer depends solely on marketing, but on traceable, easily accessible, and understandable evidence.
Can small businesses use these technologies effectively?
Many technology solutions, especially cloud platforms and open-source tools, are becoming more accessible and scalable. Small businesses increasingly use artificial intelligence (AI) to provide customer service, blockchain to track supply chains, and data encryption to protect customer information. They may not have the scale of large companies, but the right tools can still significantly boost their credibility.
In 2025 and beyond, consumer trust will depend significantly on how companies use and deploy Emerging Technologies. Transparency, proactive risk management, and meaningful engagement are no longer optional; they are vital for survival and growth.
Meanwhile, consumers are becoming more sophisticated, expecting quality products, clear accountability, and robust data protection. Technology offers powerful tools to bridge these holes and build trust. As innovation advances, the relationship between brands and consumers will change, and trust will become a dynamic, ongoing dialogue, enabled by technology.