A surge in data collection has pushed new idealist entrepreneurs to come up with new ideas to differentiate themselves from the market by  collecting data direct from individuals in exchange of hard cash.  Since the 21st century data collection has been a big business for data companies. But means and ways of collecting  personal data meant most of the public were not aware that their data was collected and passed on to third party companies, until 2000 the freedom of information act created a new data category, extending the definition of data where by any personal information held by any organisation had to be requested for. Though most companies went around by i.e. application forms added a small signature box to tick if your personal information could be shared to third part, That meant left unticked by signing the documents you are virtually agreeing for the information to be passed on. See [ https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/]

CitizenMe entrepreneurs are said to be now collaborating  with Cambridge and Sheffield universities offering cash for any personal data through a new app which is to be launched in  March 2016. While Digi.me a data storage company with 350 000 uses in 150 countries plans to add a function on its existing app that allows organisations to request consumers if they can purchase their data by mid 2016. This move is said to give consumers an opportunity to control and share their personal data the way they want while making money/ other benefits  along the way.

Will this be a better solution for controlling personal data? It has been an issue over the years for consumers not knowing were and who has their personal data. It has been a far cry for many consumers who felt their data was being abused with no voice to contest the issue and no  proper laws to protect them, will this be the time the governments and the EU commission will start the debate on firm data protection regulations.[ see also article by – Hugo Greenhalgh  Financial Times [17/ 10/2015] UK Firms to offer Cash and Deals for Personal Data]

I am convinced many will agree with me that this app/idea if successful will be welcome by many. The question asked by many will be- is the app for free and to how many companies can you be able to sell your data?  Is the app a go between you and the companies or will it have your data already? What are the set the perimeters to how much data is allowed at what cost?. If as many as you like then the shift of data power control will be relying on ones hands to say how much were want to sell our data for. Given that most companies already  have  almost all of our personal data is there any incentives or benefits to any of us or the power still lies on the hands of the organisations. It is a question of understanding how the app works.