Trusted Personal Data Management Service

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Audience

The analysis examines the challenges and benefits related to data portability. One important finding is that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe contains an article on data portability. However, users find it complex and difficult to navigate, raising concerns about the usability and effectiveness of the regulation in promoting data portability.

Moreover, the analysis highlights the Digital Markets Act (DMA) which mandates gatekeepers to enable data portability. Nevertheless, there is ambiguity surrounding the implementation of this requirement, posing challenges in ensuring gatekeepers’ compliance with data portability regulations and hindering its full potential.

The analysis also addresses the current incentives for data holders to facilitate data portability, raising concerns in this regard. It argues that the existing incentives may not be sufficient to encourage data holders to enable the smooth transfer of data, questioning the effectiveness of the current approach and calling for re-evaluation and potential adjustments.

To fully unlock the benefits of data portability, the analysis concludes that a cultural change across markets is necessary. It emphasizes the need for most services used by individuals to allow for data transfer to achieve maximum value from data portability. However, the analysis also points out that smaller companies may not be subject to legislation like the DMA, creating an issue as their exclusion from regulations may impede widespread implementation of data portability.

Overall, the analysis provides insights into the complexities surrounding data portability. It highlights the challenges posed by the GDPR and the ambiguities in the DMA, while also raising concerns about the current incentives for data holders. It emphasizes the necessity of a cultural change across markets to ensure the widespread adoption and success of data portability. However, the issue of smaller companies falling outside the scope of legislation remains an obstacle that needs to be addressed.

Speaker

During the discussion, the speakers focused on the topic of consumer interest in utilising personal data held by companies. They highlighted the discrepancy between the digital data that most shops and services possess and the fact that individuals only have paper receipts as proof of their transactions. This raised the question of why individuals are not given the same access to their own personal data that companies have.

One of the main arguments put forth by the speakers was the efficiency of using personal digital data for personal housekeeping and everyday life. They emphasised the potential benefits of having access to this data, such as easier tracking of expenses, more accurate budgeting, and streamlined record-keeping. By harnessing personal data, individuals could enhance their overall financial management and gain a better understanding of their spending habits.

In addition to personal benefits, the speakers also expressed a desire for transparency regarding who has access to their personal data. They emphasised the need to know which companies are interested in their data and how it is being used. They argued that personal data is being exchanged in unknown places, and the establishment of a personal information bank would provide much-needed transparency in this regard.

Another noteworthy point raised during the discussion was the question of why personal data banks are not widely implemented despite their existence for over five years. The speakers expressed curiosity about the lack of progress in this area and called for more action to further the implementation of personal data banks. They questioned what the next steps should be to advance this concept and bring about its widespread adoption.

Overall, the speakers advocated for greater consumer involvement and control over personal data held by companies. They highlighted the potential benefits of utilising personal data for personal housekeeping and emphasised the need for transparency in data usage. Their arguments and inquiries aimed to prompt further discussion and action towards the implementation of personal data banks on a larger scale.

Natsuhiko Sakimura

The concept of Personal Data Trust Banks is an innovative approach aimed at securely managing personal data based on specific agreements and instructions with individuals. These banks serve as a middle ground between companies and individuals in terms of data control and management. By entrusting their personal data to these banks, individuals can ensure their information is kept safe, used ethically, and that their rights are protected.

To ensure data safety at Personal Data Trust Banks, the Information Technology Federation of Japan (IT Renmei) has established a certification scheme called TPDMS. This certification scheme ensures that data handling at these banks follows defined standards and ethical guidelines. Additionally, TPDMS includes a data ethics board that oversees the activities of the Personal Data Trust Banks, further ensuring the protection and proper management of personal data.

Despite these efforts, the lack of a mandatory data portability law in Japan presents a challenge for the success of Personal Data Trust Banks. Data portability, which allows individuals to transfer and control their data, is a critical aspect for entrusting sufficient data to these banks. Natsuhiko Sakimura, a proponent of Personal Data Trust Banks, emphasises the importance of resolving the data portability issue for the concept to achieve its full potential. Without proper data portability mechanisms, individuals may be hesitant to entrust their data to these banks.

One noteworthy observation is that the current system lacks a comprehensive approach to data portability. Natsuhiko Sakimura advocates for the implementation of data portability in Japan and believes it to be a missing piece in the current data management framework. By enabling data portability, individuals would have greater control over their data and the ability to change how it is treated over time.

In conclusion, Personal Data Trust Banks offer a secure and ethical solution for managing personal data. However, the success of these banks relies on the implementation of data portability mechanisms. The certification scheme provided by IT Renmei ensures the safety and ethical handling of data within these banks. As the discussion for data privacy and management continues, the concept of Personal Data Trust Banks presents an alternative approach that prioritises individual rights and data protection.

Christian Reimsbach

Japan has been at the forefront of implementing the concept of information banks, with discussions on this topic starting as early as 2010. Christian Reimsbach appreciates Japan’s leadership in this regard, acknowledging their commitment to establishing information banks. These banks serve as repositories of data, allowing individuals and organizations to securely store and share their information.

In Japan, the government has taken steps to enhance consumer trust in data intermediaries by implementing a certification system. This certification indicates that a data intermediary can be trusted, providing consumers with confidence in sharing their data with these institutions. Christian Reimsbach believes that government certification of data intermediaries can play a crucial role in building consumer trust and facilitating data sharing.

Data portability and individual control over data are also key considerations in the digital landscape. The European Union’s Article 20 provides every citizen with the right to data portability in a machine-readable format, ensuring that individuals have control over their own data. Australia’s Consumer Data Right also applies to both individuals and small businesses, allowing them to access and transfer their data. Christian Reimsbach raises important questions about data portability, data rights for businesses, and the level of control individuals have over their own data.

Moreover, data trusts have emerged as a promising approach to enable data sharing for machine learning. In the UK and Canada, data trusts are being promoted as a framework for facilitating collaboration and data sharing in the context of machine learning. Christian Reimsbach sees the potential in data sharing and machine learning within the framework of data trusts, but also raises concerns about individual control over data within this system.

Another aspect that Christian Reimsbach questions is the idea of transferring data from the original data holder to the information bank. He suggests the use of privacy-protecting technologies, such as federated learning, where the data remains with the original holder, but a federated control mechanism is used. This approach allows for data sharing and collaboration while still respecting the privacy and control of the data owner.

Additionally, efforts are being made to develop trustworthy data intermediaries and information banks. Christian Reimsbach expresses interest in learning more about information banks and their role in data management. These trusted institutions play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and security of data.

Notably, an upcoming OECD report is expected to feature information banks, highlighting their importance and potential impact on peace, justice, and strong institutions. This report will provide valuable insights and recommendations regarding the implementation and governance of information banks.

In summary, Japan’s leadership in implementing information banks and their efforts to establish government certification for data intermediaries demonstrate their commitment to data management and building consumer trust. Data portability, individual control over data, and the role of data trusts in enabling data sharing for machine learning are important considerations in the discussion. Privacy-protecting technologies and trustworthy data intermediaries play a significant role in ensuring data security and integrity. The upcoming OECD report on information banks is anticipated to provide valuable insights into their implementation.

Moderator

Japan has been a leader in the development of information banks and data governance since 2010. They have introduced the concept of certification for intermediaries, positioning themselves at the forefront of fostering data governance. However, there is room for improvement in the information bank system, with suggestions including the incorporation of data portability rights. This would facilitate the practical transfer of data, benefitting small and medium-sized enterprises. Christian supports this idea, citing the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation as an example. He highlights the role of intermediaries in enabling data portability. Christian also emphasizes the importance of data accessibility and utilization in acquiring potential clients. The ability to access and effectively use data enhances partnerships and innovation. Japan’s leadership in information banks and data governance is commendable, but there is scope for further strengthening their position through the incorporation of data portability rights and ensuring data accessibility and utilization.

Speakers