Personal Data: Thinking Inside the Box

TL;DR

The paper introduces the concept of a personal, physical data platform called the Databox, designed to give individuals direct control over their personal data collection, management, and sharing through a networked device.

Contribution

It proposes the design and implementation of a personal, physical data platform called the Databox to enhance individual control over personal data.

Findings

Conceptual framework for personal data management

Design specifications for the Databox platform

Potential for increased user control and privacy

Abstract

We propose there is a need for a technical platform enabling people to engage with the collection, management and consumption of personal data; and that this platform should itself be personal, under the direct control of the individual whose data it holds. In what follows, we refer to this platform as the Databox, a personal, networked service that collates personal data and can be used to make those data available. While your Databox is likely to be a virtual platform, in that it will involve multiple devices and services, at least one instance of it will exist in physical form such as on a physical form-factor computing device with associated storage and networking, such as a home hub.