Big data, big deal for consumers

Data and their value !

Data has become an essential resource for economic growth, job creation and societal progress but big data exploitation should not be considered in contradiction with an adequate protection of consumers’ privacy. Thanks to digital developments we get “free” contents and services, new games and divertissements in social media, more targeted advertisements, but we cannot relinquish by default our autonomy and freedom in exchange of our comfort, therefore we stress that consumers are, and should always remain, owners of their data. Of course they can give their consent to the use of their data and, in such occasions, data controllers need to share on a fair basis the benefits with data subjects, which is not always the case nowadays.  Take the example of "MyAnalytics" from Proximus, which targets tourism services, event organisers, marketing managers and mobility decision-makers. With this application, Proximus continuously locates mobile phones, and can thus very precisely identify the locations and movement flows at any time of the day. The SIM card still shows which region or country the user is from, which allows event organisers to send targeted promotions. However, the operator has not asked for explicit authorization, does not give consumers access to their own data and does not offer customers any share of the profits gained by using their personal data. This has to change, consumers with their behaviors are among the major drivers of innovation and contributors to the survival of the digital ecosystem and they have to receive a fair remuneration.

Consumers must be able to take their place and to share in the added value!
Declaration of 16 June ...

In our hyper-connected world, Big Data is the "new cash cow" of the modern digital economy, consumers must be at the center of this economy. The overall value of the data economy in the EU in 2020 is estimated at over 700 billion euros (4% of GDP). New businesses are thriving on user-generated data, used as a base for innovation and targeted offers and adapted to new services and products. It is therefore only right that these users get their fair share of the cake.

Consumers should be able to enjoy a responsible data economy, respecting their fundamental rights and freedoms. This economy needs to focus on the provision of innovative and personalized services that offer a better response to the real needs of consumers.

We must grasp this opportunity to make this digital economy, positive for the consumer, synonymous with freedom, creation and innovation.

That is why, as part of an internal seminar, Altroconsumo, DecoProteste, Ocu, Proteste and Test-Achats have, together with business leaders and high-level authorities including the Belgian Minister for Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, reflected on the role that consumers can and should play. It was also an opportunity for these consumer organizations to call for the support of a manifesto and statement on www.mydataismine.com. The aim of this Declaration is:

• to ensure that the personal data and privacy of consumers are respected
• to give them the opportunity to play a key role in this new economy
• to establish the conditions of a digital economy that deliver to consumers a fair part of the profits in an stable and secure economic environment

After signing today by consumer organisations concerned, this Declaration will be submitted to the world players in the digital economy. To fully grasp the extraordinary potential that the Internet offers us today, we have to overcome the often sterile and fruitless opposition between entrepreneurial freedom and the fundamental rights of citizens/consumers.  As Consumers Organizations signatories of this Common Declaration  we are therefore ready to join forces with all stakeholders to foster the conditions for a stable social economic development on the basis of a new digital value chain. We are committed to making big data and IoT become a force for freedom rather than a force of concealed manipulation and we are ready discuss and negotiate with responsible market players adequate win-win solutions.

(ITALIAN VERSION)