New blog on Data Autonomy: Data as the lifeblood of our online lives

Data Autonomy is often associated with terms such as control or ownership over one’s data. Personally, I believe this definition leaves out the core aspect of data as the lifeblood of our online lives and rather than control, it is what makes digital self-determination possible. The ability to understand the flow of our own data and the decisional power we have over it as well as our privacy rights, can only be exercised once they are seen as part of a bigger connected picture: Data Autonomy.

Being part of the student community at the University of Groningen, the biggest issue which should be tackled in this regard is the lack of importance attributed to one’s autonomy over their data. Often, students do not recognize the risks connected to the loss of data or the lock-in effect of certain online services, which only Big Tech is currently capable of providing. There seems to be little concern over how and with whom we share our data, including sensitive and private information, underestimating the impact this might have on our digital footprint and online autonomy.

Vilma Nikolaeva is a student of Technology and Law at the University of Groningen and explains in her blog what she thinks needs to be done to make us aware of our digital rights.

Roadmap to Data Autonomy

The CIT has started the discussion to investigate the possibilities of how the University of Groningen can gain more autonomy over its data in the future. Together with various representatives from across the University, we are working on a roadmap to promote data autonomy and a strategy that will enable the UG to respect, protect and promote academic freedom in the digital age.