Kaspersky’s latest report has revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a pivotal role in everyday life by 2025, while privacy concerns surrounding biometric data and advanced technologies will take center stage. These predictions are part of the annual Kaspersky Security Bulletin series, which forecasts key cybersecurity trends and threats set to affect consumers in the coming year.
AI to Become an Integral Part of Daily Life
By 2025, AI is expected to be fully integrated into daily routines, no longer viewed as a cutting-edge innovation but rather as a standard tool for communication, work processes, and creative endeavors. Operating systems like iOS and Android will increasingly adopt AI-enhanced features, making AI commonplace in tasks that range from casual conversations to professional workflows.
However, with AI becoming more normalized, new challenges will emerge, particularly in the realm of deepfakes. As personalized deepfakes become more sophisticated, the absence of effective detection tools could pose serious risks to the integrity of digital content.
Expanding Privacy Regulations to Empower User Data Control
Growing privacy concerns are likely to result in new regulations that enhance user control over personal data. By 2025, individuals could gain more rights, such as the ability to monetize their own data, seamlessly transfer it across platforms, and benefit from more simplified consent processes.
Global frameworks like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California’s Consumer Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), and South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) are expected to inspire similar reforms around the world. Additionally, decentralised storage technologies may further empower users by giving them more autonomy over their information.
Cybercriminals to Exploit Major Gaming, Film, and Console Releases
Cybercrime is set to evolve, with fraudsters increasingly targeting the premieres and launches of high-profile games, consoles, and films in 2025. Anticipated releases such as Mafia: The Old Country, Civilization VII, Death Stranding 2, and the new Nintendo Switch 2 are likely to attract scams, including fake pre-orders and malicious downloads.
Similarly, blockbuster films like Superman and Jurassic World Rebirth are expected to trigger phishing campaigns and counterfeit merchandise scams aimed at eager fans.
Political Polarisation to Intensify Cyberbullying
As political polarisation grows worldwide, online harassment is predicted to worsen. Social media platforms that use algorithms to amplify divisive content, coupled with easy-to-access AI tools capable of creating deepfakes, are likely to fuel cyberbullying in 2025.
This trend may see a rise in cross-border harassment, as global social media platforms enable users to target individuals based on their political views.
Subscription Services to Drive Fraud Risks
As more businesses move towards subscription-based models, the rise of fraudulent subscription offers is expected. Cybercriminals are likely to create fake platforms that resemble legitimate services, tricking users into providing personal and financial information, which could lead to identity theft and financial losses.
Additionally, unofficial services that offer discounted or free access to subscriptions could become a major threat vector, exposing users to phishing attacks, malware, and data breaches.
Potential Restrictions on Social Media Access for Children
Australia’s proposed legislation to ban children under 16 from accessing social media could set a global precedent. If this ban is successfully enforced, it may open the door to broader restrictions for other demographics.
Platforms like Instagram are already implementing AI-driven age verification systems, signaling a shift towards stricter governance of online spaces.
“As we look ahead to 2025, the most significant impact on consumers will likely come from the intersection of innovation and regulation. Advances in AI, privacy protections, and data ownership frameworks will reshape how people interact with technology and manage their digital lives,” said Anna Larkina, a privacy expert at Kaspersky.
“These developments offer enormous potential, but they also require careful oversight to ensure they serve consumer interests,” she added.
As AI and privacy concerns continue to evolve, the cybersecurity landscape will face both opportunities and challenges, necessitating a balance between innovation and consumer protection.
