What is a data trust?
The concept of civic space is changing. Recent technological advancements have enabled the real-time collection of data from sensors, infrastructure, and even citizens, creating a new resource that has the potential to radically transform civil society. From one perspective, these developments will usher in improved services and data-driven decision making. From another perspective, these developments can infringe on citizens’ basic rights to privacy and self-governance. In our increasingly connected cities, how will we verify that data is democratically collected and used?
The answer to this question may lie in Data Trusts. Although the exact organization of a Data Trust is not fixed, the Open Data Institute (ODI) defines them as structures “that provide independent third-party stewardship of data,” with informed consent from the data subjects. Data Trusts also guarantee that the people that have data, use it, and are affected by its use have a mechanism to ensure it is shared equitably. A successful Data Trust is a set of principles that facilitate the interaction between citizens, government, and third-parties, promoting open and democratic access to data.
A Data Trust should be a model for stewardship and management of data, presided over by a neutral governing body or board.