Data Rights (EDUC 639)

Data is all around us and is growing at an alarming rate. Many companies use data to help with marketing efforts. Some lawmakers argue that an individual owning their data should be a fundamental right (Tisne, 2018).  With the use of smartphones tracking data, every move made is now traceable, and the results can manifest in a variety of ways, including ways that may be detrimental to one's physical safety and personal information.  According to Tinse, the current laws do not provide adequate protection, and as a result, more attention needs to be paid to developing legislation around data protection rights.  Taylor (2017) referred to it as data justice, which is referred to as fairness in the way people are represented and treated due to their digital data.

​Although this is an emerging topic, it is becoming more visible to lawmakers and businesses. Taylor (2017) suggests that there are three pillars to data justice, and those are visibility, engagement with technology, and non-discrimination.  Visibility involves access to representation and informational privacy.  While engagement with technology involves sharing data's benefits and autonomy of tech choices.  Finally, non-discrimination takes into consideration the ability to challenge bias and preventing discrimination. According to Taylor (2017), the proposed categories present another way to think about data.  

According to Ma et al. (2018), one solution to handle the vast amount of data is through the implementation of blockchain. Blockchain is considered a growing field, and to simplify the explanation; it provides a  network of computers to house encrypted private information. This appears to be a viable option that is worth exploring.  The problem is that blockchain options have not penetrated the consumer markets and would be challenging for consumers to use them. Businesses are starting to explore ways to utilize blockchain technology to protect their data.  Data justice or data privacy is an emerging topic, more information will sure to be available as legislation is passed, and more consumers become concerned with how their data is being used, sold, and manipulated for profits.
 
References
Taylor, L. (2017). What is data justice? The case for connecting digital rights and freedoms globally. Big Data & Society, 4(2), 2053951717736335

Ma, Z., Jiang, M., Gao, H., & Wang, Z. (2018). Blockchain for digital rights management. Future Generation Computer Systems, 89, 746-764

Tisne, M. (2018). It's time for a bill of data rights. MIT Technology Review, https://www. technologyreview. com/s/612588/its-time-for-a-bill-of-data-rights/