AI and Privacy Trends in Digital Commerce for 2026 Analyzed in Recent Report
The report highlights significant threats in retail, with 14.41% of users encountering web threats and a 152% rise in B2B ransomware detections. According to the findings, 14.41% of retail users have encountered web threats, while 22.20% have faced on-device threats. Concurrently, Global Payments' "2026 Commerce Trends Report" outlines AI's role in reshaping consumer intera…
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, AI and privacy have become central to discussions regarding the future of digital commerce. A recent report released on December 8, 2025, by Red September sheds light on these emerging trends. The "2026 Digital Marketing and Advertising Trends Report" focuses on AI-driven, data-heavy marketing strategies, offering practical steps for South African business-to-consumer (B2C) brands to navigate shifting consumer behaviors. Concurrently, Global Payments has published its "2026 Commerce Trends Report," identifying key developments shaping the future of everyday commerce.
Threat Landscape in Retail and E-commerce
The reports highlight the increasing threats faced by the retail sector, both online and offline. According to the findings, 14.41% of retail users have encountered web threats, while 22.20% have faced on-device threats. Retail companies are not immune either, with 8.25% experiencing ransomware attacks. Notably, there has been a 152% surge in ransomware detections targeting business-to-business (B2B) interactions. Additionally, 6.7 million phishing attacks were identified, with more than half—50.58%—targeting online stores. This underscores the persistence of phishing as a significant risk in online purchasing.
AI's Role in Commerce and Consumer Interaction
The integration of AI into commerce is reshaping consumer interactions and business operations. Chatbots are projected to become commonplace in product discovery processes, facilitating smoother customer experiences. Furthermore, AI shopping assistants are expected to operate independently of traditional retail platforms, offering consumers tailored assistance outside of conventional shopping environments. However, the rise of image-based search capabilities introduces new privacy risks, as these technologies may inadvertently collect and analyze sensitive user data.
Strategic Insights for South African Marketers
The "2026 Digital Marketing and Advertising Trends Report" emphasizes the importance of practical strategies over generic industry hype. It provides comprehensive insights into ten key trends specifically tailored for South African marketers, aiming to assist them in adapting to new consumer behaviors. The report is designed as a roadmap for chief marketing officers (CMOs) and marketing managers, encouraging them to audit existing channel mixes and identify underperforming tactics. It also stresses the need to align leadership on marketing priorities and build capabilities in AI and analytics.
Commerce Trends and Technological Innovations
According to the "2026 Commerce Trends Report" by Global Payments, AI is evolving into an active purchasing agent, fundamentally altering consumer expectations and interactions. Point-of-sale systems are undergoing significant changes, revolutionizing transactional processes. The report highlights the growing importance of embedded finance as a core business infrastructure, enabling seamless money movement across various platforms. Technologies like stablecoins are anticipated to reshape cross-border transactions, further enhancing the efficiency and fluidity of global commerce. The trend towards self-service commerce is also changing consumer expectations, as customers increasingly demand more control and autonomy in their purchasing experiences.
This comprehensive analysis of AI and privacy trends in digital commerce provides crucial insights for businesses navigating the complexities of a data-driven marketplace. As AI technologies continue to evolve, companies must remain vigilant in addressing privacy concerns while harnessing the potential of these innovations to enhance consumer experiences.