Identity Shred LLC, a shredding kiosk network operator in university mailrooms, has announced its conversion to and expansion via BroadSign International LLC's automated digital signage software, according to a release from the companies.
According to the announcement, Identity Shred is "the first and only networked shredding kiosk of its kind," complete with a 22-inch HD LCD touchscreen. The kiosk enables students to protect themselves from identity 
theft using NSA-rated crosscut shredding, and advertisers to reach targeted viewers through static pictures, videos and interactive campaigns.
"Our first kiosks used a free open-source service to run ads, but the players lacked the features necessary to deliver an interactive user experience," said Michael Stewart, CFO at Identity Shred, in the announcement. "Upon discovering BroadSign at Digital Signage Expo, we learned its features, functionality and value would assist us with our advertising requirements. The transition turned expansion toward 200 locations has been incredibly smooth."
Identity Shred is partnered with Ricoh USA to place kiosks in university mailrooms, lobbies and food courts, targeting viewers in the 18- to 24-year-old demographic. Once all 200 locations are deployed, potential audience size will be 25 million, with new sets of viewers entering every six to 12 months, the announcement said. Kiosks are also placed in hospital, retail and bank locations.
The kiosks are free to install and use, with income derived from Identity Shred's ad-based model. Typical ads last 15 seconds, and the entire loop does not exceed 15 minutes. As consumers within Identity Shred's targeted audience watch less network and cable television and make increasing use of Internet ad blockers, Identity Shred claims it provides a guaranteed viewership to advertisers. Customers include Men's Health, Ricoh USA and a variety of universities.
One of the first participants in BroadSign SIGNificance, Identity Shred also runs charitable campaigns created by the PVBLIC Foundation, including "Life Without Water is Awkward" and the White House's "It's On Us" initiative to stop sexual assault on college campuses.
"Identity Shred facilitates a mutually beneficial relationship between viewers and advertisers," said Skip Beloff, vice president of sales at BroadSign. "Not only do kiosks provide useful services to their users, the messaging and advertising provided at the same time are relevant to and welcomed by viewers. Such is the magic of digital place-based done right – and BroadSign is happy to deliver the features and support that enable a rewarding experience by operators and users."