Under the AppChain trend, brands don’t always need private blockchains to protect data. Private chains offer control, privacy, and tailored governance, ideal for sensitive supply chain or customer data, as seen with IBM’s Food Trust. However, they require high setup costs, technical expertise, and maintenance. Public or consortium blockchains, like Ethereum or Hyperledger, can suffice with encryption and permissioned access, balancing security and cost. Brands must assess data sensitivity, regulatory needs (e.g., GDPR), and scalability. Hybrid models, combining private and public chains, often provide flexibility—private for sensitive data, public for transparency. For most brands, consortium chains with trusted partners are more practical than fully private setups, ensuring data protection without excessive overhead.