Use, Not Collection, Should Be Focus of Data Rules, Report Says

A new report, “Unlocking the Value of Personal Data: From Collection to Usage,” from World Economic Forum’s Personal Data project argues:

• Personal data is a valuable asset that ought to be put to work.
• Fluid data markets will benefit economies, societies and individuals.
• Privacy rules should focus on how data is used rather than on the widespread collection of personal data.
• The modern digital world, with its explosion of data, has made the traditional approach to privacy based on “notice and consent” typically between two parties — a marketer and a consumer — obsolete, in the view of the report’s authors.