Introduction

Data is possibly the single most valuable entity in the world, whether it is personal data about a user or person, or it is general data about the world. Companies spend billions collecting this data, and it is sought after by other companies.

What makes data so valuable? Data is correct and accurate, and it can be used to make decisions, which are both helpful as well as potentially lucrative. Data is valuable because of what can be done with it.

Companies spend billions collecting data and then spend billions more protecting it. Data can lose some of its value when it becomes public knowledge; not that the data becomes less valuable but rather the value from the decisions made. If the data becomes public, then other companies can use it to get a competitive advantage.

In addition to losing competitive advantage, personal data can be used to compromise personal security and privacy. The data can be used to impersonate a user, and possibly, do harm.

Regardless of where the data...