The Imperative of Data Ownership as a Fundamental Human Right
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Chapter 1: Understanding "Idatity"
Five years ago, during a luncheon at the World Economic Forum, attendees were encouraged to envision what issues would dominate public concern by 2019. My thoughts gravitated towards the intertwining of identity and data. When Marc Benioff, the founder and chairman of Salesforce, inquired about my perspective, I introduced the concept of "idatity." This term highlights the necessity for individuals to be vigilant in protecting and managing their personal information.
Recognizing personal data as a human right is crucial, akin to the universal right to access clean water. Individuals should have the autonomy to own and control their data, which ought to be treated like property, allowing for fair compensation.
As a musician, I reap the benefits of copyright laws that grant ownership rights to my creative works. It is perplexing that the data I generate is not afforded similar treatment. The vast wealth generated by colossal “data monarchs” from my information, while I see no financial return, is unjust.
Over the past five years, these data titans—companies like Facebook and Google—have burgeoned into enormous enterprises. While they thrive on the "free" services they provide, users' data is often mishandled, leading to unauthorized sales of personal information.
The fallout from this has been significant, with incidents of misinformation influencing major political events such as the U.S. presidential election and the Brexit referendum. Disinformation campaigns have even sparked unrest in regions like South Africa. This raises the question: has the trade-off for such "free" services been justified?
While I appreciate technology and frequently use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, I am increasingly overwhelmed by the irrelevant content they deliver. It's disheartening that these data monarchs have a deeper understanding of my personal habits than even my closest family or healthcare providers. Trust in social media and search engines has eroded, as I question the reliability of the information they provide.
With limited choices for platforms, the current system feels skewed, benefitting the data monarchs disproportionately while users receive only ad-laden “free” accounts.
To rectify this imbalance, one approach is to assign monetary value to personal data. If my data contributes to the creation of companies worth trillions, it should undoubtedly be recognized as having financial significance. Transparency regarding data usage is equally important. I want clear, straightforward explanations about who can access my information and how it's being used.
Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a positive step towards enhancing data rights for individuals.
As we combine personal data with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the stakes become even higher. AI can enhance services, from law enforcement predicting crime patterns to medical imaging that surpasses human accuracy. These developments underscore the need for consumers, especially the younger generation, to be informed about the nature and value of their personal data.
I approach these matters not only as a technology user but also as an entrepreneur. While social media platforms dominate today, the next generation of data companies will offer innovative services that prioritize user benefits. They will become the most valuable enterprises by fostering trust and community engagement.
Current devices may track my steps, but they fail to provide a comprehensive view of my health and well-being. Future services should integrate personal data to enhance individual experiences rather than commodifying it for profit. By building trust, my digital assistant could seamlessly connect relevant data points.
These new systems will leverage conversational computing to cater to both consumers and businesses. Fair terms of service will be accessible, eliminating the need for legal expertise to understand them. They will be user-friendly, providing guidance on everything from public transport to health management.
Despite dystopian forecasts of a future dominated by algorithms, I remain hopeful about the potential of AI and data to enrich society. It is time to prioritize ethical and equitable practices. I challenge the current data monarchs and future leaders to focus their efforts on developing AI and data solutions that prioritize human welfare over profit.
The concept of "idatity" is gaining traction. If I were to revisit that lunch discussion today, I would reaffirm my stance on "idatity" because I am my data, and my AI assistant should function as my personal data steward. In five years, I envision a landscape where virtuous companies honor user data, utilizing it responsibly and with consent, while ensuring ownership remains with the individual.
will.i.am is a musician and the founder and chairman of I.AM+, a company focused on consumer electronics and voice assistance through AI. He serves on the World Economic Forum’s Global AI Committee and is an honorary fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology in the UK.
Section 1.1: The Importance of Data Ownership
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As will.i.am argues, individuals must reclaim their data rights, as personal information is treated as a commodity by large corporations.
Section 1.2: The Role of AI in Data Management
