Data Stewardship by Data Trusts: A Promising Model for the Governance of the Data Economy?

This chapter addresses a rapidly growing debate in data policy: the call for new intermediaries between data “givers” and “data takers” to mitigate and redistribute power asymmetries. Data intermediaries such as data trusts are thought to fulfil several functions: (a) to think and act about collective forms of data governance, (b) to protect vulnerable populations from abuse, (c) to provide tools to counter the powers of large platforms, (d) to unlock new markets for data usage. These possible functions, however, are not without tensions. This chapter starts by providing an overview of several proposals for data trusteeship. Then it introduces a substantive data trusteeship model from the biomedical sector that predates current data trusteeship. Further, new models such as personal information management systems (PIMS), data cooperatives and other forms of data stewardship are discussed. Finally, these are evaluated in terms of their opportunities, risks and challenges for data governance, as well as potential non-intended effects.