FAQ

What is a Data Bank?

It's a bank for your data. You have accounts for everything, but not your data? That doesn't seem right does it? We're building a place for you to be able to do 3 main things: get your data, hold your data, and then use your data.

Why Do You Need A DataBanc?

Let's start with a popular opinion: privacy seems broken. It seems like we have less privacy than ever before, despite so much movement in the privacy rights space. Weird. That changes with DataBanc. Why? We think banking your data means you can do more about your data and, thus, your privacy. It's that simple.

What is privacy?

Jeez. This is a hard one. Let's start with what is isn't: It isn't no control of your data and it isn't selling your data for you

So what is privacy then?

It's an emotion, a theme, a vibe. It's not easily defined. It's something you don't know you had until it is gone. All that being said: privacy gives us the freedom to express ourselves. Privacy is freedom.

How does DataBanc fit in?

We are building a bank to hold your data. You can't have privacy unless you know what people have on you, can actually hold and control those pieces of information, and then do something with them.

Are there alternatives to DataBanc?

We like to think lots of companies have banked your data for you for a long time. Many of which you can still have if you use DataBanc. But we just give you one more tool here for you to actually have some control over the best* set of data.

How do I get off the waitlist?

Waiting! Seriously, there's lots of interest in a 'data bank' like this. We are working hard to get you off the waitlist.

What Are My Privacy Rights?

Your privacy rights are dependent on where you live. Here in the US, there is a patchwork of laws, and increasingly, in many places, these rights are getting stronger. Broadly, we think people should be able to easily flex your rights.

Is this worth it for me?

Well, signing up is pretty easy. And following some steps to get your data, and in some cases, trading your data for stuff, is fairly simple too. We think we're creating a true win-win.

Will I use DataBanc everyday?

No. I mean, do you check your bank account everyday? We think DataBanc is going to be a great tool for the long-haul. A utility for you to keep by your side as your continue to live your digital life. Over time, keep depositing your data, and as we roll out new tools, we may make something you want to use everyday.

What information does DataBanc help each user bank?

DataBanc wants to help consumers bank a variety of data. It is really up to the individual consumer. DataBanc can help consumers try to tap into the data market and see what data could be out there. Further, depending on where a consumer lives, they may have certain data rights. When possible, DataBanc wants to help those consumers flex their privacy.

While the concept of a 'data bank' makes sense, how does DataBanc actually promote privacy?

Most privacy solutions are “defensive” - they try to stop the flow of information today. Think encrypted message apps or private browsing. That is stopping the flow of data right now.

But it feels futile, no? Like starting to cut out sweets after eating them for 50 years.

We think to change the data ecosystem, we need to be different. We like to approach things from the view of being proactive. Like actively taking steps to learn, see, and bank what information could be out there.

It all just flows from a pretty basic idea: we think privacy means data control and data rights. By helping consumers bank their data, we are just getting started.

Besides tools, do you help users learn through education and privacy tips?

Throughout our product, we try to build-in relevant education to teach people about these topics. We also have an education module for consumers to learn about privacy (think Privacy 101). We hope that we can teach people about complex things in an accessible way.

Do you think the possible surprise or shock of people seeing their own data could turn people away from wanting to use DataBanc?

Not at all! We think that seeing is believing. And what better way to teach people about this is through showing them what the data present looks like and what the data future could be.

Lets phrase that a bit differently: we want to build trust with our users and what better way than to provide real utility today? Showing you what could be out there - if it is out there - is a great way to do that.

What are the tangible benefits of having a DataBanc?

1. Better understanding of your and your community's privacy.

2. Having a place to control some of your data/data sets.

3. Being able to ethically use your data (through the Personal Assistant) if you choose -- Right now, consumers lack all 3.