An ever growing abundance of data, ever improving data software driven services, and the increasingly relied upon data that comes from software represent an important frontier in our lives today, and in our digital economy as a whole. The abundance of data is leading to life-saving breakthroughs in health, farmers producing crops at lower prices, and families with busy schedules staying connected—all by leveraging data.
Throughout history, any time new technologies challenge and change how we think and behave, policymakers are challenged with ensuring these technologies fully deliver on their potential. This is very much the case today, as we find ways to best embrace the promise of a burst of data services. Just think: more than 90 percent of the world’s data was created in the past two years. We create an enormous amount of data every day – but the policy environment tied to data services is lagging. Because of this challenge, consumers, businesses and law enforcement today all lack sufficient clarity and predictability about the rules and laws that govern the gathering, storing, sharing, and positive uses of data.