core sector communique

Report Highlights Personal Data as New Economic Asset Class

• Personal data – digital data created by and about people – represents a new economic "asset class", touching all aspects of society.
• The abundance of personal data represents untapped opportunities for economic growth and social benefit; however, the barriers restricting personal data's movement and protection need to be resolved.
• Granting individuals greater control over their data is necessary to create a balanced personal data ecosystem.
• More information on the Personal Data: 
  

New York, USA, 17 February 2011 – Personal data is becoming a new economic "asset class", a valuable resource for the 21st century that will touch all aspects of society, according to a report released today by the World Economic Forum. The report, Personal Data: The Emergence of a New Asset Class, finds that, to unlock the full potential of personal data, a balanced ecosystem with increased trust between individuals, government and the private sector is necessary.