Customer Identity and Access Management
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Definition
Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) refers to a framework of technologies and practices used to manage and protect customer identities across digital platforms. It includes capabilities like user registration, authentication, account recovery, consent tracking, and profile management, all designed to provide secure and seamless access to online services.
Why it matters
CIAM plays a critical role in balancing security with user experience. It helps organizations reduce fraud, streamline onboarding, and comply with data protection laws like GDPR. By implementing CIAM, businesses can build trust with users while minimizing friction and protecting sensitive customer data.
Example use case
A streaming service uses CIAM to allow customers to create an account, log in with a one-time code, and manage viewing preferences securely, all while complying with privacy regulations and maintaining a high-quality user experience.