The future of personal data ownership: an IT perspective

In this article, we will explore the concepts, challenges and possible solutions surrounding the ownership of personal dataThe report provides information on the broad picture of data privacy.

The rise of data capitalism

As a final year student in computer science at IMMUNE, I have spent the last few years delving into the world of information and data technology. One question that has piqued my interest is whether the ownership of personal data could become a reality in the future.

Before going into the concept of ownership of personal data, it is essential to understand the current situation. In today's digital age, data has become a valuable commodity, giving rise to what some call "data capitalism. Tech giants and corporations collect, analyse and monetise personal data, often without the explicit consent or knowledge of the individuals involved. This has raised significant concerns about privacy and data ethics.

Data privacy laws and regulations

In response to growing concerns about data privacy, governments around the world have implemented various data protection laws and regulations. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States are two notable examples. These laws aim to give individuals more control over their personal data and how it is used. They require companies to be transparent about data collection and use and give individuals the right to request their data or even to have it deleted.

The concept of personal data ownership

The idea of personal data ownership proposes that individuals have a fundamental right to own and control their own data. In this scenario, the user would have the power to decide who accesses their data, for what purposes and potentially even to monetise it. While this concept is attractive in theory, its practical implementation poses several complex challenges.

Data ownership challenges

1. Data growth: In our highly interconnected digital world, personal data is scattered across numerous platforms, from social media to e-commerce sites. Keeping track of all this data can be overwhelming.
   
2. Data security: With data ownership comes the responsibility to protect your information. Protecting your data from cyber attacks, breaches and unauthorised access requires technical expertise and resources.
   
3. Data monetisation: While data ownership could offer the possibility for individuals to benefit from their data, establishing a fair and transparent system for monetisation remains a challenge. How do you put a price on your data?
   
4. Data portabilityThe ability to easily transfer your data between different platforms or services is crucial for the ownership of personal data. Standardising data formats and ensuring interoperability is a complex task.

Potential solutions

1. Self-sovereign identity (SSI)SSI is a concept that allows individuals to have full control over their digital identities, which can extend to data ownership. It uses blockchain technology to provide secure and portable identities.
   
2. Data trustsData trusts are entities or organisations that act as intermediaries between individuals and companies. They manage and protect personal data while negotiating its use and potentially returning benefits to data owners.
   
3. Decentralised identity systems: These systems, often based on blockchain technology, offer a secure and decentralised way of managing personal data. Users retain control over their data while granting access to specific entities when necessary.
   
4. Data monetisation platforms: emerging platforms allow users to participate in data marketplaces, where they can choose to share their data with companies in exchange for compensation.

The road ahead

While personal data ownership is an attractive idea, it remains a challenging and evolving topic. For this to become a reality, we must address not only technical hurdles but also legal, ethical and social considerations. Education and awareness are two key points in empowering people to take control of their data.

As a computer engineering student, I am excited about the potential of technological innovations to drive the personal data ownership movement. However, we must also ensure that these innovations align with ethical standards and protect people's privacy. In the coming years, we will witness a continued evolution in the field of data privacy, and personal data ownership may become an important part of that evolution.

In conclusion, the concept of personal data ownership is intriguing and complex, with numerous challenges to overcome. While it may not become an absolute reality in the near future, it is a conversation worth having.

Alfonso José Fuentes, a 3rd year student of the Degree in Software Development Engineering.