The Value of Data
Every time you search, click, or travel, you generate data. This data is aggregated by tech giants to train the very AI systems that are automating the economy.
Currently, this is a one-way street: you provide the raw material (data) for free, and companies sell it back to you as a service (prediction, advertising, automation).
Data Rental Rights
We propose exploring a framework of Data Rental Rights. Instead of "terms and conditions" that sign away your rights forever, companies should have to "rent" access to your data.
- Education: The first step is educating the public that their data has monetary value.
- Collective Bargaining: Just as unions bargain for wages, "data unions" or public trusts could bargain for data royalties on behalf of citizens.
Privacy as a Right, Not a Luxury
We must ensure that privacy doesn't become a luxury good available only to the rich. Strong data ownership laws protect everyone from surveillance capitalism.