At some level, most of us worry about our personal information being collected, sold, and used by big businesses and other players. We have all heard that “if the app is free then we are the product”. So, what can be done to improve the situation?

Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, has envisioned a transformative shift in the way individuals manage and share their personal data through a decentralized web, embodied by his Solid project. A key component of this initiative is the concept of a “digital wallet.” Unlike conventional digital wallets focused solely on financial transactions, Berners-Lee’s vision extends far beyond, providing a secure and efficient means for individuals to control their personal data and online identity.

In Berners-Lee’s model, users store their personal information in PODS (personal online data stores) rather than dispersing it across multiple platforms owned by corporations. This digital wallet consolidates all types of data—such as identity documents, health records, financial information, and browsing histories—under the user’s control. The wallet enables selective data sharing, meaning users can provide only the specific information required for a transaction or interaction. For instance, to verify their age for purchasing alcohol, users can confirm their eligibility without revealing unrelated personal details like their home address or full birthdate.

The benefits of this concept are both practical and revolutionary. First and foremost, it significantly enhances privacy. In today’s internet landscape, users often have little choice but to share large amounts of personal data with third parties, leaving them vulnerable to misuse. By giving individuals the ability to control which data are shared, and with whom, Berners-Lee’s digital wallet mitigates unnecessary exposure, and limits the risks associated with data misuse or exploitation.

Second, it reduces the likelihood and impact of data breaches. Currently, large corporations store vast amounts of user data in centralized servers, making them attractive targets for hackers. Decentralizing data storage and empowering individuals to maintain their own data reduces the likelihood of massive breaches, as there is no single repository for hackers to target. This shift also aligns with increasing public concern over cybersecurity and data protection.

Another advantage lies in fostering competition and innovation in the digital economy. Today, tech giants often lock users into proprietary ecosystems, making it difficult to switch services without losing access to valuable data. A decentralized approach, with data stored in user-controlled wallets, eliminates these barriers. Users can easily move between competing platforms while retaining full access to their information, encouraging fair competition and reducing monopolistic control.

The PODS concept also empowers individuals to monetize their data, should they choose to share it. Users can negotiate directly with companies or researchers for specific data-sharing agreements, ensuring transparency and potentially earning compensation for their contributions. This represents a fundamental shift from the current model, where corporations profit from user data without adequately compensating the individuals whose information they exploit.

Ultimately, Berners-Lee’s digital wallet aligns with his broader mission to decentralize the web and return agency to its users. By prioritizing privacy, security, and user empowerment, this concept challenges the existing power dynamics of the internet, offering a blueprint for a fairer and more equitable digital landscape. If widely adopted, it could revolutionize how people manage their digital identities and interact online, fostering trust, innovation, and a renewed sense of autonomy in the digital age.

Now just how we get Big Tech to hand back our data, when it’s currently a major source of revenue, I have no idea, but it’s going to take significant political will. Belgium is currently exploring a healthcare data initiative with 7 million citizens using the PODS model, along with primary care providers and hospitals.  Perhaps we may just have to accept that our data to date is lost in the ether, but moving forward with our next generations, a decentralized web will bring more personal privacy and autonomy?