Brazils Groundbreaking Initiative: Citizens to Monetize Their Digital Footprint

The Brazilian authorities are currently piloting a program that enables citizens to «manage, own, and profit from their digital footprint.» This initiative marks the first of its kind globally.

The project is being managed by Dataprev, a state-owned enterprise that provides technological solutions for government social programs. It is collaborating with California-based data assessment and monetization firm DrumWave to establish a «data savings account» which will convert personal data into economic assets, with potential for monetization and benefits derived from investments in technologies like AI and LLM. It’s emphasized that data sharing must be «conscious and authorized.»

Brittany Kaiser, co-founder of the Own Your Data Foundation and an advisor to the DrumWave board, stated, «Currently, individuals receive nothing for the data they share.»

Once a user accepts the company’s proposal to share their data, they will receive payment through a digital wallet called «dWallet,» with the funds later transferred to their bank account.

In 2023, the local congress drafted a bill that categorizes data as private property. The current national data protection law already recognizes this information as a personal and inalienable right. The new regulations grant individuals full rights over their personal data, especially concerning information generated through interaction with online platforms, applications, marketplaces, websites, and any internet-connected device. The monetization bill enjoys bipartisan support and is currently under consideration in Congress.

If approved, it would enable companies to gather data more quickly and accurately while providing users with greater transparency about how their data will be utilized. These databases are also set to serve as a foundation for more personalized government services, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, urban transportation, public safety, and education.

The pilot program involves a small group of Brazilians who will utilize data wallets to receive salary credits.

However, not everyone is on board with the initiative. Pedro Bastos, a researcher at Data Privacy Brazil, expressed concern, stating, «Once you start treating data as an economic asset, you undermine the logic of personal data protection.» He warned that the data ecosystem «will no longer be defined by those who can build more trust and integrity in their relationships, but rather by who is the wealthiest.»