Data Value Significantly Higher Than Previously Estimated
Recent analysis by the Web3 Foundation reveals the substantial economic value associated with individuals’ online data. Experts estimate that each person contributes up to €244,800 to major technology companies throughout their lifetime. This figure highlights just how much data is generated and collected by firms such as Google, Meta, and Amazon.
The report details how these companies utilize a wide range of user information, including clicks, social media activity, and location data, primarily for targeted advertising. However, the use of this data extends far beyond simply displaying advertisements. Increasingly, this data is being leveraged to train artificial intelligence, including robots and sophisticated chatbots.
The analysis indicates that technology giants can generate approximately £1,000 – or nearly €1,200 – annually from a single user. This represents a highly profitable business model predicated on the continuous collection and utilization of personal data. The findings underscore the significant value inherent in the vast quantities of data generated online, demonstrating that the contribution of individuals is much greater than commonly understood.
Topics: #data #much #giants
“This is a truly alarming reminder of the hidden cost of our online activity.”