Andrew Baker: Tell us a bit about your professional journey so far.

Ruben Verborgh: I’m a professor of computer science at Ghent University in Belgium, with a focus on researching how data is managed on the web. Unlike many who concentrate on big data—centralizing massive amounts of information—I’ve been more interested in distributed data. My work explores how we can make sense of data that isn’t stored in one central place but is scattered across the web. Initially, my research was rooted in public and open data, but over time, my focus has shifted to broader questions of control and interoperability.

AB: Much of your work revolves around the semantic web. Can you explain what that term means?

RV: Forget the jargon—at its core, the semantic web is about structuring data in a way that machines can understand and interpret. This is crucial because, without semantics, we’re reliant on a handful of organizations dictating how data should be stored and accessed. The semantic web gives individuals and companies the power to control their own data while ensuring it remains interoperable across systems. It’s about creating a world where data can flow seamlessly while remaining under the user’s control.

AB: What technologies are you working on to help make this vision of the semantic web a reality?

RV: One of the most exciting projects I’m involved in is Solid, which focuses on personal data stores—or “Data Pods.” A Data Pod is like a private data vault where all the information you generate or that others produce about you is securely stored. You control what happens to that data, whether to share it, use it, or keep it private.

Solid isn’t the only approach to personal data stores, but it stands out because of its commitment to interoperability. We don’t dictate how people or companies should structure their data. Instead, the system allows users to organize their data however they choose while maintaining compatibility with other platforms. This combination of flexibility and interoperability is a major step forward.

AB: How does the semantic web intersect with data ownership and innovation?

RV: The semantic web has two main pillars. The first is privacy—it’s about empowering people to take control of their data. The second is innovation. For app developers, one of the biggest hurdles today is obtaining user data, which typically involves harvesting it from users or third-party platforms. This process pits them against tech giants like Facebook in a competition they can’t win.

But with personal data vaults, users already have control of their data. New apps can simply connect to these vaults, use the data with the user’s permission, and focus on delivering value. There’s no need for invasive data collection. This model benefits not only individuals but also businesses, as it allows them to sidestep the costly and ethically fraught data race.

AB: Can the semantic web address challenges in data alignment and ownership?

RV: Absolutely. One of the key challenges today is the lack of standardization. For example, tools like Tapmydata spend a significant amount of effort aligning data from different companies, each of which represents people and their information in unique ways. This alignment is currently a manual and repetitive process.

Semantic technologies can automate much of this work. By creating a common framework for representing and exchanging data, the semantic web reduces redundancy and streamlines operations. This isn’t just about making life easier for companies—it’s about ensuring that data ownership remains firmly in the hands of users while fostering a more interconnected and innovative digital ecosystem.

The Takeaway

The semantic web represents a paradigm shift in how we think about data ownership and interoperability. With projects like Solid paving the way, the future holds the promise of a web where individuals truly control their information, and innovation thrives without the need for intrusive data harvesting. As Ruben Verborgh emphasizes, the semantic web isn’t just a technological development—it’s a vision for a more equitable and privacy-respecting digital future.

The post Data Ownership and the Semantic Web: Insights from Professor Ruben Verborgh (Part 2) appeared first on Tapmydata.

Created by Troy Hunt, a Microsoft Regional Director, Developer Security MVP, and international web security expert, HIBP is a free resource that allows users to quickly check if their personal data has been exposed due to an online account breach. This tool has become an essential service for individuals looking to protect their online privacy.

How It Works in Tapmydata

We’ve ensured that using this feature in the Tapmydata app is seamless and user-friendly. Here’s how to access it:

1. Open your secure data locker in the Tapmydata app.
2. Scroll down to the Data Breaches section.
3. Tap on the section to check if your email has been affected.

The feature scans multiple data breaches to determine if your personal data has been compromised. If your information is found in a breach, you’ll see detailed information, including:

• A description of the breach.
• The date it occurred.
• The type of data that was exposed (e.g., email, password, personal details).

Why This Matters

In today’s digital world, data breaches are becoming increasingly common. By integrating the HIBP feature, we’re empowering our users to stay informed and take steps to protect their data. Whether it’s changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, or monitoring accounts for unusual activity, being aware of breaches is the first step in safeguarding your privacy.

We Want to Hear from You

At Tapmydata, we’re always working on ways to enhance our app and provide tools that help users reclaim control of their data. If you have suggestions for new features or improvements, feel free to get in touch. Your feedback helps us continue to innovate!

The post New Feature: Have I Been Pwned – Check if Your Email Has Been Compromised appeared first on Tapmydata.

Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice privacy for functionality. Here are some privacy-friendly alternatives to Google services that prioritize your data security and control.

1. Search Engines

Google Alternative: Google Search
Privacy-Friendly Option: DuckDuckGo

• Why Switch? DuckDuckGo doesn’t track your search history or collect personal data. It offers clean search results without profiling you based on your searches.
• Bonus Features: Built-in ad-blocking, tracker-blocking browser extension, and a focus on encrypted search results.

Other Options:

• Startpage: Offers Google-powered results without tracking.
• Qwant: European-based search engine with strict privacy policies.

2. Web Browsers

Google Alternative: Google Chrome
Privacy-Friendly Option: Brave

• Why Switch? Brave blocks ads and trackers by default, making your browsing experience faster and more private. It also includes a rewards system for viewing privacy-respecting ads.
• Bonus Features: Built-in Tor browsing for anonymous web access.

Other Options:

• Mozilla Firefox: Open-source browser with robust privacy customization.
• Tor Browser: Focused on anonymity and bypassing censorship.

3. Email Services

Google Alternative: Gmail
Privacy-Friendly Option: ProtonMail

• Why Switch? ProtonMail offers end-to-end encryption for your emails, ensuring that only you and your recipient can read them. Based in Switzerland, it’s governed by strict privacy laws.
• Bonus Features: No ads, encrypted calendar, and zero access to user data.

Other Options:

• Tutanota: A secure email service with encryption and no ads.
• Posteo: Environmentally friendly and privacy-focused email provider.

4. Cloud Storage

Google Alternative: Google Drive
Privacy-Friendly Option: Sync.com

• Why Switch? Sync.com provides zero-knowledge encryption, meaning even the service provider can’t access your files.
• Bonus Features: Collaboration tools and generous free storage plans.

Other Options:

• pCloud: Offers client-side encryption and affordable lifetime plans.
• Tresorit: Secure file-sharing with end-to-end encryption.

5. Office Tools

Google Alternative: Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
Privacy-Friendly Option: OnlyOffice

• Why Switch? OnlyOffice is an open-source suite with collaborative features and a strong focus on data security.
• Bonus Features: Available for self-hosting to maintain complete control over your data.

Other Options:

• CryptPad: Privacy-first collaboration suite with encryption.
• LibreOffice: Free, offline office software that doesn’t collect data.

6. Maps

Google Alternative: Google Maps
Privacy-Friendly Option: OpenStreetMap

• Why Switch? OpenStreetMap is a community-driven mapping platform that doesn’t track your location or activity.
• Bonus Features: Regularly updated by a global community of contributors.

Other Options:

• OsmAnd: Offline maps app based on OpenStreetMap.
• HERE WeGo: Focuses on privacy and offline navigation.

7. Video Hosting

Google Alternative: YouTube
Privacy-Friendly Option: PeerTube

• Why Switch? PeerTube is a decentralized video-sharing platform that lets creators host content without corporate oversight or invasive tracking.
• Bonus Features: No ads and federated hosting.

Other Options:

• Vimeo: Cleaner interface and fewer data-tracking practices.
• Dailymotion: An alternative with fewer ads and a focus on content quality.

8. Android Alternatives

Google Alternative: Stock Android (with Google services)
Privacy-Friendly Option: GrapheneOS

• Why Switch? GrapheneOS is a privacy-focused operating system built for Android devices, removing Google services while maintaining functionality.
• Bonus Features: Enhanced security, regular updates, and no tracking.

Other Options:

• LineageOS: Open-source Android fork with customizable features.
• /e/ OS: Privacy-respecting OS with built-in replacements for Google apps.

9. Analytics and Tracking

Google Alternative: Google Analytics
Privacy-Friendly Option: Matomo

• Why Switch? Matomo allows businesses to track website analytics without compromising user privacy. It can be self-hosted, giving you full control over data.
• Bonus Features: GDPR-compliant and no third-party access.

Other Options:

• Plausible: Simple, privacy-friendly web analytics.
• Fathom: Lightweight analytics tool with no user tracking.

Why Choose Privacy-Friendly Alternatives?

Switching to privacy-friendly tools helps:

• Protect Your Data: Minimize exposure to data breaches and invasive tracking.
• Support Ethical Companies: Choose businesses that prioritize user privacy.
• Enhance Security: End-to-end encryption and decentralized platforms reduce vulnerabilities.

Small changes in your digital habits can make a big difference. By transitioning to privacy-first services, you’re taking control of your data and supporting a more ethical internet for everyone.

The post Protect Your Privacy: Privacy-Friendly Alternatives to Google appeared first on Tapmydata.

At Tap, we started with a blank slate—a rare opportunity to rethink the fundamental principles of data collection and privacy. Our vision was clear:

1. Minimize data collection from users—adopting a “Privacy by Design” and “Privacy by Default” approach.
2. Ensure all personal data is encrypted, accessible only by intended recipients.

These principles sound straightforward, but implementing them was anything but simple. Here’s how we approached the challenge.

Reinventing the User Profile

Most apps require user profiles, typically created by collecting an email address and password. This immediately conflicts with our first principle of minimizing data collection and leans dangerously close to violating the second principle if that information isn’t securely encrypted.

Our solution?

• We generate a user profile automatically when the app is opened, without requiring user input.
• A random email is assigned to the account (for future functionality), and a highly secure password is created behind the scenes.

The result?

• No data from the user.
• A functioning account.
• Complete anonymity.

Securing Requests with Asymmetric Cryptography

The heart of Tap is enabling users to send secure data requests to organizations and receive their personal data in return. This process leverages asymmetric cryptography, which uses a pair of keys:

• A public key to encrypt data, shared openly.
• A private key to decrypt data, kept secret.

When a user sends a data request, it’s encrypted with the organization’s public key, ensuring only they can decrypt it. But this introduces a challenge:

• Most organizations lack expertise in key management.
• It’s impractical and insecure for every team member to handle encryption keys individually.

Our approach:

1. Issue Keys for Organizations: We generate and store the keys for organizations, allowing them to manage data securely without requiring deep technical knowledge.
2. Add Extra Protection: Organizations can optionally (and soon, mandatorily) set a shared team password, which encrypts their private keys. This ensures that even if we have the keys, we can’t access them.

When an organization decrypts a request, it happens locally in their browser, not on our servers. This provides an additional layer of security, even if our database were compromised.

Responding Securely

Handling responses is slightly simpler:

• Users generate their keys on their devices, and we never have access to the private keys.
• Organizations encrypt responses client-side before sending them back, ensuring no unencrypted data touches our servers.

Encryption in Action

You can see the encryption process in real-time within Tap’s interface. Encrypted requests and responses momentarily flash across the screen, offering a glimpse of the secure infrastructure at work. This transparency is intentional—it showcases the robustness of our encryption.

The Cost of Doing It Right

Building a product with this level of encryption wasn’t easy.

• Retrofitting such features into an existing platform would have been nearly impossible.
• From the ground up, encryption added approximately 50% more time and budget to our development process.

But the trade-offs were worth it. Minimizing our data footprint means we can’t rely on traditional data-monetization models. Instead, we’ve embraced alternative business models aligned with our mission of empowering users.

A New Standard for Privacy-First Apps

At Tap, our goal isn’t just to help people reclaim control of their data—it’s to prove that tech products can thrive without exploiting user information.

We’re proud of the boundaries we’ve pushed in data collection and encryption. It’s a challenge, but it’s also a necessary step toward a more ethical and secure digital future.

After all, your data belongs to you—not us.

The post We Don’t Want Your Data: Innovating in Data Collection and End-to-End Encryption for Apps appeared first on Tapmydata.

The Problem with the Current Data Economy

Today, data is the lifeblood of the digital economy, often compared to oil for its immense value. Yet, for most users, this value remains unrealized. Centralized platforms and corporations profit immensely by harvesting, selling, and monetizing personal information, often without clear user consent.

This model has serious implications:

• Loss of Control: Users often have little knowledge of how their data is used.
• Privacy Concerns: Data breaches and unauthorized sharing are commonplace.
• Unfair Dynamics: The revenue generated from user data rarely benefits the individuals it originates from.

This imbalance highlights the need for apps that put power back in the hands of users.

A New Era of Apps: Earn and Protect

Forward-thinking developers are creating mobile applications that not only prioritize user privacy but also enable individuals to monetize their data on their terms. Here’s how these apps are reshaping the digital landscape:

1. Monetization of Personal Data
   Instead of surrendering data for free, users can now license it to companies and earn real rewards. These apps operate on transparent models, ensuring individuals are fairly compensated for sharing their information.
2. Secure Data Control
   With decentralized technologies like blockchain, users can store, manage, and share data securely. Apps equipped with encrypted storage solutions ensure that personal information remains accessible only to the rightful owner.
3. Consent as a Currency
   Some apps use features like NFT-based consent mechanisms, allowing users to grant or revoke permissions dynamically. This not only provides transparency but also sets a precedent for fair data exchange.

Examples of Innovative Features

• Privacy-First Identity Management: Apps allow users to create and manage digital IDs securely. These IDs can be used across platforms without exposing sensitive information.
• Gamified Earning Models: Users can complete surveys, participate in studies, or engage with ads to earn rewards in cryptocurrency or cash.
• Decentralized Marketplaces: Platforms enable users to connect directly with companies seeking data, cutting out intermediaries and enhancing transparency.

Why Security and Privacy Matter More Than Ever

Incorporating robust security features is non-negotiable for these apps. End-to-end encryption, decentralized storage, and transparent consent management are essential to building trust. Users need to feel confident that their data is safe from breaches, unauthorized access, and misuse.

Furthermore, regulatory changes such as GDPR and CCPA highlight the growing demand for privacy-first solutions. Apps that prioritize compliance with such standards are setting a new benchmark for ethical technology.

The Future of User Empowerment

The shift toward user-centric applications signifies a broader transformation in the digital economy. As more people become aware of their rights and the value of their data, the demand for ethical, secure, and rewarding platforms will only grow.

By embracing these innovative apps, individuals can:

• Earn a fair share from their data.
• Regain control over their digital identity.
• Enjoy online services without compromising privacy or security.

The future of mobile technology lies in empowering users, not exploiting them. Apps that combine earning opportunities with robust data control and privacy protections represent a positive step toward a fairer digital ecosystem.

Now is the time to embrace this change, support ethical tech, and take charge of your data journey. After all, your data is your asset—why not own it, protect it, and profit from it?

The post Empowering Users Through Mobile Apps: Earn, Control, and Protect Your Data appeared first on Tapmydata.

Breaking the Cycle of Data Exploitation

Tapmydata is leading the way in building a decentralized data protocol designed to put control back into the hands of individuals. Our platform empowers users to reclaim ownership of their digital identities and redefine the value of their data. Here’s how:

1. Mint NFTs of Verified Consent
   Users can transform their consent into blockchain-based, non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These verified tokens become proof of user-approved interactions, ensuring that data is shared securely and transparently.
2. License Data Responsibly
   With our protocol, users can license their verified consent to companies and organizations. This fosters a new, trust-first relationship between individuals and businesses, enabling data use in a way that respects user rights and preferences.
3. Rebuild Trust in Digital Interactions
   By facilitating a system where data is securely exchanged and consent is verifiable, Tapmydata helps organizations meet new transparency standards while restoring trust with their audiences.

Built for Web3 Interoperability

Our protocol is designed to integrate seamlessly with the decentralized technologies shaping the future of the internet. Here’s what makes the TAP Protocol unique:

• Money Legos: Our platform leverages modular, interoperable tools that allow for the creation of innovative financial and data-sharing solutions in the Web3 ecosystem.
• Data Unions: We empower individuals to collectively manage and monetize their data, creating a fairer system for all.
• Distributed Storage Solutions: By incorporating decentralized storage technologies, we ensure user data is secure, accessible, and not locked into any single platform.

Together, these components provide a flexible and robust infrastructure that supports our vision of a decentralized data economy.

Why the TAP Token Matters

At the heart of our protocol is the TAP token. This utility and governance token enables users to participate fully in the Tapmydata ecosystem. From powering transactions to facilitating governance, TAP is the key to unlocking the full potential of a decentralized data economy.

By using TAP tokens, individuals and businesses can engage in data exchanges that are fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial. It’s not just about trading data—it’s about creating a new standard for digital interactions.

Your Data; Your Destiny

Tapmydata isn’t just a platform—it’s a movement. We’re building a future where individuals have the tools to control their data, decide how it’s used, and benefit directly from its value.

It’s time to move beyond centralized platforms, opaque policies, and exploitative practices. With the TAP Protocol, users and organizations can participate in a trust-based economy that prioritizes transparency, consent, and user empowerment.

The post TAP Token: Redefining Data Ownership in the Web3 Era appeared first on Tapmydata.