Data Solidarity Project

Data Solidarity Project

At present, the risks and benefits of digital practices are not distributed fairly. Vast power asymmetries exist and are reinforced at both the regional and the global level. Addressing these challenges and inequalities requires an approach that goes beyond merely giving people more control over their own data. Data Solidarity is an approach to data governance which aims to increase collective control, oversight, and ownership of digital data and resources alongside respect for individual autonomy. It seeks to achieve a more equitable sharing of benefits and risks emerging from digital practices.

The Data Solidarity Team at the University of Vienna conducts interdisciplinary research on the theory and practical application of data solidarity, advocates for policies and practices that promote solidarity throughout the digital ecosystem, and engages with stakeholders at all levels to promote the concept of solidarity in data governance.

In October 2023, the Data Solidarity Team launched the Public VaLUe Assessment TOol (PLUTO) - an online tool to measure the public value of data use. PLUTO can be used by anyone, such as  representatives of businesses or public bodies wanting to know how much public value specific uses of data may create, or patients and other citizens who are asked to share their data to be used for specific purposes.

Since May 2024, the Team has been collaborating with the Digital Transformations for Health (DTH) Lab to advance the principles of data solidarity in digital health. DTH Lab is a global consortium of partners working to drive implementation of The Lancet and Financial Times Commission on Governing Health Futures 2030’s call for digital health to be driven by public purpose, and not for profit.