What does it mean to own data?

Data ownership is seen as the answer to effective data management. We explore the pros, cons and alternative approaches to data ownership for effective data governance.

Is it just me, or does the concept of data ownership feels murky? We constantly generate and share information, but who truly “owns” our data?

The answer may lie in a fascinating legal concept called usufruct, and it can redefine how we think about data custodianship.

Why do we look for data owners?

In essence, we see data ownership as a framework for managing data effectively. It should promote responsible data stewardship and unlocks the full potential of data for informed decision-making and innovation.

Accountability and Responsibility: Clear ownership establishes who’s on the hook for ensuring data quality, security, and compliance with regulations. This helps prevent issues like inaccurate information or data breaches.
Effective Data Governance: Data ownership is a cornerstone of good data governance. It allows organizations to set clear rules and procedures for how data is managed, used, and protected.
Informed Decision-Making: Knowing who owns data allows you to trace its origin and understand its context. This is crucial for making reliable decisions based on trustworthy information.
Privacy and Security: Data ownership helps ensure that data is used appropriately and access is controlled. This safeguards sensitive information and protects individual privacy.
Collaboration and Efficiency: Clear ownership makes it easier to collaborate across teams or departments that rely on the same data. You know who to go to with questions and can avoid wasting time searching for the right person

Data Ownership is Outdated

Traditionally, data governance uses the term “data owner” – the individual or entity responsible for a specific dataset, system or even a complete domain.

In essence, the data owner is a senior figure responsible for the overall management, governance, security, and quality assurance of the data assets within their assigned domain. They collaborate with data stewards and other stakeholders to ensure effective data management practices across the organization and typically hold a seat on a data governance committee or council.

But this term is misleading. Ownership implies complete control, which rarely applies to data. More accurate terms might be:

Data Trustee: Highlighting the responsibility to manage data for the benefit of others.
Data Guardian: Emphasizing the need to protect and preserve the data.
Data Fiduciary: Underscoring the legal duty to act in the best interests of stakeholders.

Usufruct – The right to Use and Benefit from data

Here’s where usufruct comes in.

This ancient Roman legal principle grants the right to use and benefit from property (in this case, data) without actually owning it. Think of it like renting an apartment – you can live there and enjoy its benefits, but you’re ultimately responsible for its upkeep and must respect the owner’s rights.

Data Trustees

Similarly, data trustees hold the “usufruct” of data. They can use it for analysis, decision-making, or even generate revenue. However, they have a responsibility to:

Ensure Data Quality: Make sure the data is accurate, complete, and secure.
Define Access Permissions: Control who can access and use the data.
Respect Privacy Rights: Comply with regulations and user consent regarding data usage.

Data Ownership is about Responsibility

This shift in perspective is crucial.

It moves data from a possession to a responsibility, encouraging responsible data stewardship.

We don’t just own data; we hold it in trust for ourselves, for future generations, and for those who can benefit from its insights.

At the same time, this shift means that data ownership must be taken, it cannot be assigned.

The Benefit of the Data Usufruct

By embracing this concept, we can foster a data ecosystem that is:

More Transparent: Clearer understanding of who controls data and how it’s used.
More Secure: Stronger emphasis on data protection and privacy.
More Equitable: Data used responsibly for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Challenges to the Data Ownership approach

While data ownership has its merits, it also faces some challenges that can hinder its effectiveness:

Data Complexity: Data often isn’t neatly contained within one silo. It can be aggregated, combined, or anonymized, making it difficult to pinpoint a single owner, especially for complex datasets.
The Ususfruct Challenge: The concept of usufruct, where someone has the right to use but not own the data, can be complex to implement. Determining usage rights and permissions becomes a tangled web, especially when data is shared across organizations.
Friction and Disruption: Strict ownership rules can create friction in data sharing, hindering innovation and research that relies on collaboration and access to diverse information.
Limited Control: In today’s digital landscape, data can be easily copied, replicated, and analyzed in ways beyond the control of the “owner.” This raises questions about the true power ownership holds.
Focus on Control vs. Privacy: Data ownership often emphasizes control over privacy. While ownership can help manage access, it might not fully address the need for individual privacy and consent regarding how data is used.

Exploring Alternatives for Shared Ownership

These limitations suggest that data ownership might not be the perfect solution for managing data in our interconnected world. It’s a stepping stone, but alternative approaches like:

Data Governance Frameworks: Creating clear policies and procedures for data management across an organization, regardless of ownership.
Data Stewardship Roles: Assigning specific individuals or teams the responsibility for protecting and using data responsibly.
Focus on Privacy Rights: Prioritizing user consent and clear communication about how data is collected and utilized.

One compromise we have found effective is to consider ownership at the attribute, rather than at the data set level e.g. Marketing owns “email address”, but customer data is governed by committee.

So, the next time you share information, remember: data isn’t just something you own; it’s a shared resource entrusted to your care.

Let’s become responsible data citizens and utilize the power of usufruct to build a future where data empowers everyone.