As digital technology continues to permeate every facet of our lives, the demand for privacy in display technologies is becoming increasingly evident. On April 18, 2025, Rain Technology's CEO Robert Ramsey and Chief Scientist Michael Robinson shared insights into the future of embedded privacy displays, emphasizing that embedded privacy has evolved from a niche feature to a baseline expectation across various devices, including mobile phones, laptops, ATMs, and automotive systems.
“As digital devices become more embedded in our daily lives, the demand for seamless, secure display experiences is accelerating — and so is innovation,” Ramsey stated. He highlighted that consumers and organizations alike are seeking security and control without sacrificing performance, marking a significant shift in consumer expectations.
The market for embedded display technologies is expanding rapidly, driven by the increasing variety of devices and the types of information displayed. This growth presents substantial opportunities for companies like Rain Technology, which specializes in optics and photonics. Their innovations are set to reshape visual privacy and optical performance in emerging display technologies.
One of Rain Technology's key innovations is Switchable Privacy™, a thin liquid crystal layer integrated into displays that allows users to toggle privacy on or off. This technology effectively controls the viewing angle, preventing unauthorized viewers from accessing sensitive information. This feature is particularly beneficial in environments where data breaches are a concern, such as in remote work settings.
Rain Technology has already shipped millions of units featuring Switchable Privacy to major laptop manufacturers like Lenovo and HP, as well as in point-of-sale devices. In the automotive sector, their No-Driver-Distraction™ solution addresses the challenge of balancing passenger infotainment with safe driving, adhering to evolving legislative safety standards.
In addition to privacy features, Rain Technology is also pioneering Display Screen Branding™, which allows brands to promote themselves to peripheral viewers even when a display is in privacy mode. This dual functionality is currently being explored in partnership with POS manufacturer Datecs.
“Embedded privacy is fast becoming a standard feature across the connected world we live in, from handheld devices to in-vehicle displays to payment systems,” remarked Paul Treichler, head of sales and marketing at Rain Technology. This shift is indicative of a broader trend where privacy becomes integrated into user experiences across various platforms.
Looking ahead, Rain Technology is also focusing on the future of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) through its patented Anamorphic-XR™ technology. This innovation aims to enhance user experience, performance, and comfort in AR and VR applications. Robinson noted, “AR and VR devices have been hyped for decades but have yet to realize their potential. Anamorphic-XR represents a true leap in optical design.”
The technology is designed to address persistent issues in AR and VR, such as brightness, weight, and clarity, potentially leading to increased consumer adoption and engagement. With rising interest in AR and VR applications across gaming, business, and military sectors, Anamorphic-XR is positioned to play a crucial role in the evolution of these technologies.
Rain Technology's solutions are not only limited to consumer electronics; they are also being integrated into various industries. For smartphones and laptops, the embedded Switchable Privacy offers optimal clarity and brightness while allowing users to switch between privacy and share modes seamlessly. In the POS and ATM sectors, these privacy features support regulatory compliance and protect consumer transaction data.
Furthermore, Rain Technology's innovations are being adopted in medical displays to ensure HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality. These displays can switch between privacy and share modes, catering to both patient needs and healthcare provider requirements. The automotive industry benefits from solutions that prevent driver distraction while enhancing passenger infotainment experiences.
In the realm of AR and VR headsets, the Anamorphic-XR technology is set to improve optical design, benefiting user comfort and engagement. This technology is currently being developed as a proof-of-concept for next-generation wearable devices.
Meanwhile, the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General is pushing for stronger data privacy laws in response to its first year of enforcing the Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA). In a report released on April 17, 2025, the office recommended several amendments to enhance consumer protections under the CTDPA, which was enacted in 2022.
The report highlighted the office's enforcement actions over the past year, including issuing warning letters, investigating consumer complaints, and addressing facial recognition technology concerns among retailers. Attorney General William Tong emphasized that while Connecticut remains a leader in consumer data privacy, there is still much work to be done.
“It is clear that there is much to be done, including amending the CTDPA to provide stronger protections for Connecticut residents,” the report stated. The AG's office is advocating for scaling back exemptions for covered entities, including nonprofits, and strengthening protections for minors' data.
Additionally, the report suggested that legislators consider implementing a data minimization requirement, which would limit the collection of consumer information to what is strictly necessary. This practice, endorsed by privacy experts, aims to alleviate significant privacy and security concerns.
“We cannot underscore enough the importance of these provisions— in many cases, serious privacy and data security concerns could have been offset— if not fully alleviated— if companies had properly minimized the data they collected and maintained,” the report emphasized.
In the corporate sector, enterprises are increasingly adopting agentic AI technologies, with a recent Cloudera report revealing that 96% of surveyed IT leaders plan to expand their use of AI agents within the next year. This interest spans various applications, with a focus on performance optimization, security monitoring, and development assistance.
Despite the enthusiasm for AI agents, many organizations face challenges in integrating these technologies with existing systems. IT leaders expressed a desire for enhanced data privacy and security features, as well as faster training and customization options for AI agents.
“Agentic AI is taking center stage, building on the momentum of generative AI but with even greater operational impact,” stated Cloudera Chief Strategy Officer Abhas Ricky. As enterprises explore the potential of AI agents, it is critical for them to establish clear governance and monitoring plans to ensure successful implementation.
With a multitude of use cases emerging across industries, including finance, manufacturing, and retail, organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of AI agents in addressing specific operational needs.
The convergence of privacy technology and artificial intelligence signifies a pivotal moment for businesses and consumers alike, as they navigate the complexities of data security and user experience in an increasingly digital world.
