Conclusion: Transparency in formation of the personal-information contract
Users of Web services exchange their personal information for use of search engines, social networks, e-mail systems, and other "free" services. As the value of their personal information increases, customers don't receive a commensurate increase in service value in exchange.
A contract governing the provision of personal information in exchange for services of comparable value requires full disclosure of the information being collected, the use of that information, and the third parties with whom the information is shared. Individuals using Web services would then be able to decide knowingly and voluntarily how much of their personal information they wish to share, whether they want to restrict the use of some or all of their personal information, and which third parties they choose to share their personal information with.
The mechanics of consumer consent to the collection, use, and dissemination of their personal information requires after-the-fact approval via reports from Web services to their customers explaining completely what information they collect, how they use the information, and who they share it with. Their customers would then be able to amend, correct, or lock their personal information. Theoretically, customers would be allowed to opt out of personal-data collection without having to cease using the Web service if they are willing to pay or otherwise compensate the service.
Conversely, customers who choose to share more of their personal information would receive in exchange even more valuable services or other consideration from the companies collecting and using their personal data. Individuals would also be allowed to contribute their personal information to public and non-profit organizations for the public good. Such a "commons" repository for personal information would serve as a resource for everyone: researchers, private citizens, businesses, application developers, and educators.
Responsibility for securing and authenticating proprietary and public personal-data repositories would be shared by the parties collecting the information and the individuals who supplied the information. As with any transaction between two or more parties, the foundation of the contract is transparency. Currently, the collection, use, and sharing of personal information is anything but transparent.
A contract governing the provision of personal information in exchange for services of comparable value requires full disclosure of the information being collected, the use of that information, and the third parties with whom the information is shared. Individuals using Web services would then be able to decide knowingly and voluntarily how much of their personal information they wish to share, whether they want to restrict the use of some or all of their personal information, and which third parties they choose to share their personal information with.
The mechanics of consumer consent to the collection, use, and dissemination of their personal information requires after-the-fact approval via reports from Web services to their customers explaining completely what information they collect, how they use the information, and who they share it with. Their customers would then be able to amend, correct, or lock their personal information. Theoretically, customers would be allowed to opt out of personal-data collection without having to cease using the Web service if they are willing to pay or otherwise compensate the service.
Conversely, customers who choose to share more of their personal information would receive in exchange even more valuable services or other consideration from the companies collecting and using their personal data. Individuals would also be allowed to contribute their personal information to public and non-profit organizations for the public good. Such a "commons" repository for personal information would serve as a resource for everyone: researchers, private citizens, businesses, application developers, and educators.
Responsibility for securing and authenticating proprietary and public personal-data repositories would be shared by the parties collecting the information and the individuals who supplied the information. As with any transaction between two or more parties, the foundation of the contract is transparency. Currently, the collection, use, and sharing of personal information is anything but transparent.
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