Decentralised data monetisation framework launches to take control from tech giants


Streamr, a decentralised network for real-time data, has launched a framework that enables app developers to offer data monetisation opportunities to users, with the aim of decentralising data control away from tech giants.

App developers who integrate the Data Union framework – which has moved from public beta to full launch – can provide their users with ways to monetise the real-time information they create online and using connected devices.

The data is sent to a stream on the Streamr Network and access to the pooled data is sold as a product on the Streamr Marketplace. The revenue is then automatically shared among Data Union members and distributed as DATA, an ERC-20 Ethereum token.

“We’re very excited about the potential of Data Unions and can’t wait to hear from developers who have ambitions to create their own,” said Henri Pihkala, Founder and CEO of Streamr. “Democratising the value of our data like this helps to decentralise the monopoly of a few giant corporations, putting control back in the hands of the individual user.”

An early example of a Data Union being formed out of the framework is Swash, which is a browser plugin that enables people to earn money as they browse.

Developers interested can also apply for seed funding from Streamr. And Streamr is holding a 16-week ‘Data Challenge’ hackathon across India, in partnership with Lumos Labs.