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YONKERS, NY — Consumer Reports, the nonprofit, research, testing and consumer advocacy organization, has been named to Fast Company’s third annual Next Big Things in Tech list, honoring technology breakthroughs that promise to shape the future of industries.
This year, 119 technologies developed by established companies, startups, or research teams were highlighted for their cutting-edge advancements and potential to shape society. While not all of the technological developments are available in the market yet, each is on track to have an impact in the next five years.
Consumer Reports was named a winner among nonprofit organizations and academic institutions for its role in helping consumers take back control of their personal data. CR launched Permission Slip, a free mobile app that reveals the kinds of information that companies collect, trade, and sell about consumers. With a simple tap, users can tell companies to stop selling their data. The app helps people exercise their right to digital privacy, simplifying a process that can be time-consuming and confusing with unclear outcomes.
“People need and deserve control over the sensitive details of their lives, particularly in a market where every click and purchase is carefully tracked,” says Ginny Fahs, Director of Product R&D for Consumer Reports’ Innovation Lab. “Permission Slip puts the power to control your data directly into consumers’ hands.”
With Permission Slip, Consumer Reports acts as an intermediary to file data requests to companies on behalf of consumers.The app currently includes a broad range of industries and companies, including major retailers, e-commerce sites, fast food chains, entertainment brands, and many others.
“The Next Big Things in Tech is not just a look around the corner—it’s a look around the corner after that,” says Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “These are the products and ideas that will define technological innovation for the rest of this decade and beyond—and solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. We are thrilled to honor the organizations that are making them a reality.”
Learn more about other innovative projects CR is working on to advance digital rights here.
About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. The editor-in-chief is Brendan Vaughan. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication, Inc., and can be found online at fastcompany.com.
Founded in 1936, CR has a mission to create a fair and just marketplace for all. Widely known for our rigorous research and testing of products and services, we also survey millions of consumers each year, report extensively on marketplace issues, and advocate for consumer rights and protections around safety as well as digital rights, financial fairness, and sustainability. CR is independent and nonprofit.
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