International News: Till now our data on the internet has been a free treasure for companies, but now this trend is going to change. Brazil is moving towards becoming the first country in the world where common citizens will be able to earn money from their digital data. For this, the government has launched an ambitious scheme called 'D Wallet'.
Under this scheme, Brazilian citizens will be able to store their digital data in a special wallet, which they can sell to interested companies. The scheme is being implemented in partnership with Brazil's government tech company Dataprev and data technology firm DrumWave.
What is 'D Wallet' scheme?
'D Wallet' is a digital data wallet system, in which information related to the online activities of citizens will be collected - such as use of apps, website visits, or consumption of banking services. When a company wants to buy this data, the consent of the citizen will be required. If he allows the data to be sold, he will get financial benefits in return.
Selling data: Not necessary, but beneficial
The biggest feature of this scheme is that selling data will be completely voluntary. If a citizen does not want to sell his data to a company, he can refuse the offer — just like cookies are allowed on websites. However, saying ‘no’ will also mean missing out on potential earnings.
The Brazilian Parliament is preparing to introduce a new law to give legal form to this initiative, in which citizens’ digital data will be given the status of ‘private property’.
Both benefits and risks are present
Experts believe that while on the one hand this scheme will give ownership and economic benefits to the common people on their data, on the other hand, due to lack of digital literacy and internet connectivity problems in rural areas, the less educated or economically weaker sections can sell it for immediate profit, which can also pose a threat to their digital rights.
How will the government benefit?
This scheme will give the government an opportunity to collect public data in a systematic manner, which will help in personalization and policy making in education, health, transport and citizen services. This initiative of Brazil is a bold step towards digital democracy, in which for the first time, common citizens will not only have rights over their digital existence but will also be able to get direct economic benefits from it.
