The "Internet of Me" is driving global consciousness of the value proposition posed by personal data. When a consumer owns their personal data, they control access to that data and can manage levels of exploitation. Monetization is one of the ways data can be exploited. This means consumer personal data is owned, controlled and accessed with permissions set by the individual - plus, the consumer receives monetary incentives or payment for use.
This sounds like a cool science fiction concept. The reality is that companies exist today that are testing these concepts in practice. Albeit a small beginning, it is a forecast of bigger opportunities to come.
So who are these companies that are actively testing methods and technologies to monetize your personal data?
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/524621/sell-your-personal-data-for-8-a-month/
Datacoup is 'encouraging people to think more about their data and its value could inspire them to demand more transparency from other companies that sell personal information.' They are one of the only companies designing value propositions for personal data use that translate to real-hard cash. Datacoup reports they have 1,500 users in their beta-trial. Currently digital information from online applications can be downloaded and included in the Datacoup technology. Their next venture will most likely include individually generated data from health applications.
Digi.me is a personal data collection company that provides consumers with the tools to own their personal digital footprint. Digi.me enables users to collect and share the information directly with companies. The philosophy is that when consumers reclaim control of their data, they are empowered to set their own price or barrier to access. The Digi.me app allows a consumer to download all of their online personal data onto their local (native) device. Aggregating personal data in one storage site is that first hurdle to control. Digi.me then provides methods for you to share data back into the digital environment based on individual choice.
Meeco describes their application as a cross between Facebook and DropBox, except they include social sharing options and security. Focused on personal data (small data sets) they are focused on empowering people to make the most of their personal data. Meeco is focused on the networked society where individual choice is enabled.
So while we sit and ponder a future where personal data is owned and controlled by individuals, technology applications are beginning to move through design and feasibility testing. As the "Internet of Me" develops, let's not forget that individual choice varies, levels of interest differ and complex systems supporting information privacy, data security and consent to share data will need to be modified to allow for new models to exist in a rapidly digitizing networked environment.