The personal data of Internet users has long been a "commodity" for many, often obtained in not-so-legal ways. In the case of startup Datacoup, the company aspires to make money by selling "inferences" from the analysis of personal data - however, according to a report in MIT Technology Review, it may be the only one willing to pay for it.
The company is running a beta trial, in which participating users receive eight dollars a month in exchange for access to a combination of social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter , etc.) and credit/debit card transaction data. The New York-based firm is looking to generate revenue from companies that want to learn about trends that emerge through analyzing this data – after removing any personally identifiable information, of course.
Indirect data trading is nothing new, with many services offering discounts or free services if users allow their behavior to be collected. But Datacoup CEO and co-founder Matt Hogan says he wants to give people a more direct say in the process by selling information directly about their online activities.
According to Hogan, about 1,500 people have signed up for the beta trial, and within a few months the service will be “open” to everyone. Although there have been no data purchases by advertisers so far, the company CEO says that the early discussions have been encouraging.
Source: naftemporiki.gr
