Announcing the MyData Operator Awards 2021
The MyData Operator Award recognises personal data companies that have shown leadership by providing human-centric solutions that empower individuals to manage their personal data.
The amount of personal data generated about people increases every day. This data holds the potential to unlock a range of benefits for individuals, businesses, governments, and society as a whole. But the rules and infrastructures that hold and manage this data safely are lacking or fragmented.
The reality for the public is that personal data management seems remote, technical and at times incomprehensible. They are not alone. As more organisations begin to ingest, use, store and share personal data, concerns about data protection have increased. MyData’s Operator Awards recognise the best of both worlds – ensuring privacy and data protection, while also empowering individuals with their data. Empowering individuals means helping individuals access and analyse their personal data so they can make informed decisions. This is achieved by connecting their data such as health, travel or financial data with other personal data to build a comprehensive overview of their life.
A key concern for personal data companies is around reputation management in the under-regulated personal data sector. Users and investors share concerns as well – users want to know their data is safe and that they have practical means to manage their data. Investors want to be assured there isn’t a data handling scandal hiding behind glossy annual reports and impressive growth figures. Governments too increasingly want to open up the personal data they hold to other organisations in order to improve public services.
The MyData Operator Award, launched in 2020, reflects the rising demand for a more ethical approach to personal data. The Award acts as a symbol of best practice that reassures individuals, governments, investors and other companies and organisations alike. Furthermore, it fosters co-learning and development between personal data intermediaries and assists them in identifying best practices. Personal data intermediaries provide the infrastructure that shares personal data between organisations. By taking part in the MyData Operator Awards, MyData Global members voluntarily share information about their approach to enabling personal data sharing across the personal data ecosystem. Last year, 27 organisations were awarded with the MyData Operator 2020 status.
“Personal data exchange is all about trust. Being a MyData operator is more than subscribing to the MyData principles or adhering to data regulations. It is a commitment to provide trust in an advanced data economy where both organisations and individuals are winners. For iGrant.io, being a MyData Operator has opened doors as a credible information exchange intermediary for both organisations and individuals alike.”
Ms. Lotta Lundin, CoFounder and CEO, iGrant.io
The Award focuses on how personal data intermediaries manage two key issues: transparently communicating their practices and business models, and the extent to which users are the primary beneficiary of their personal data. Personal data companies have to demonstrate how their systems meet the MyData principles by empowering individuals and providing tools to help them manage their personal data. As individuals should be free to choose among personal data intermediaries, MyData operator services need to demonstrate how their services are interoperable with each other.
MyData Global wants more personal data to be shared in a safe and ethical fashion. The Award gives leaders an opportunity to showcase their hard work and we want to engage with more companies. In a nascent area for technology and policy, we suspect there are many companies out there seeking to or already implementing innovative personal data solutions that puts power back in the hands of each and everyone of us.
More information can be found on the MyData Operator Award page.
MyData Operator Award deadlines and process
- Applications open: Wednesday 1st Sep 2021
- Applications close: Thursday 30th Sep 2021 (midnight CET)
- Initial feedback: 10th Oct 2021
- Peer feedback & presentations: 11th Oct – 22st Oct 2021
- Re-submissions close: Sunday 31st Oct 2021 (midnight CET)
- Awards made: Mid / Late November 2021 (Event, TBC)
There are two online information events on the MyData Operators 2021 Award that will also provide guidance on the process:
Agenda for 8 and 15 September
5 mins: Intro into the awards – by Koen de Jong, Member of the Operator Award review team
5 mins: Welcome and general intro on MyData – by Antti ‘Jogi’ Poikola, Chairman of MyData Global
15 mins: What are MyData Operators and how to get a MyData Operator 2021 Award – by Koen De Jong
10 mins: Presentation on Fujitsu: Personium, our reasons for applying for the award – by Dixon Siu
25 mins: Q&A
Dates
8 September at 1pm UTC – add to your GCal
15 September at 4pm UTC – add to your GCal
Event registration:
