The Birth of the Global Citizen
On a daily basis, more than 3.5 billion Google searches are made, 95 million photos and videos are shared on Instagram, and 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created — a number that is accelerating due to the growth of IoT (Internet of Things) devices. There are many more mind-boggling statistics indicating the staggering numbers of data we generate on a daily basis, far too many to mention here.
This trending increase in data transactions has great opportunities and challenges, and provides an immense consumer value in future-forward services and solutions in any key industry. However, today’s data is not controlled by the individual that creates it. Many of us, including myself, have resigned to the fact that other service providers or individuals have access to our very personal, sensitive data and we tend to believe that this usage is acceptable. We have seen a number of bad actors in the digital space harvesting data without the owner’s knowledge or consent, the Cambridge Analytica case study being one of the most well-known examples.
With the enforcement of GDPR in early 2018 a first very important step was taken towards data privacy; others followed, such as the CCPA in the US. However, the actual effect of the GDPR on the data owner can be questioned, as principal elements have not been achieved: creating consciousness about the value of digital data, understanding the power of digital technologies, and most importantly regaining control over personal data. These are the essential elements to prepare and empower the data owner in successfully participating and benefiting in the data economy/data value chains.
The motivation to create GCF
More than a year ago we started to invest greater interest into the topic of data control as the central element towards strengthening people’s consciousness on data and the power of digital technologies. This interest quickly developed into a passion as we came to see the immense value that a digital aware society will create for the future.
So the question became, “What exactly can we do here?”. We came to the conclusion that the fundamental elements needed to create broader consciousness and awareness within our society are trust, simplicity and awareness. This meant we needed an organizational structure that could be trusted and a framework that creates awareness and defines the standards and values for future, easy-to-use and impactful solutions.
As a result, we founded the Global Citizen Foundation as a non-profit organization in early 2019. The organisation’s goal is to develop digital competencies within our society, define the values that we all want to see, and work towards a digital sovereignty. We view it as our responsibility to initiate digital awareness, a digital culture and mindset and to generate a thoughtful and fruitful digital experience. We are building a holistic Global Framework that will remove the complexity of the digital experience so that every individual can establish their entry points towards digital sovereignty; whether that is an individual, a school, an organization, a business or even a country.
Let’s assume you run a school. Considering that most students are aware of the digital tools available on the market and use them on a daily basis, the global framework would serve to educate them on how to navigate the digital space safely and wisely. This would improve their understanding of the value of digital data and how they can use it in the future, not only to improve their everyday lives but to know what steps are available in any situation involving the exchange of personal data.
Why is the GCF’s global framework so important?
Today, there are plenty of negative discussions around data privacy, data control, the threat of digital technologies and the abuse of personal information for bad intents. These conversations continue to cause fear within the uninformed data owner — fear of being exploited and becoming irrelevant in the future digital space. It is of paramount importance that a global entity leads discussions and offers guidance to the everyday citizen so they can find their own path in a transformative, hyper-connected world that teems with unimaginable opportunities. An enlightened, autonomous society will stimulate our future, digital world in unprecedented ways — for good.
What are the GCF’s future plans?
We are going to influence and build progressive solutions that are designed around guiding principles for self-sovereignty and that means taking ethical and regulatory standards into consideration. Therefore we are establishing a technology-based entity that will create a platform for the average data owner to gain back control, learn about the power of digital platforms, experience the power of inclusive technologies and provide ways to participate in the data economy.
We engage with very progressive people and organizations amongst all levels that are helping us to shape and execute the Global Framework and the idea of the Global Citizen Foundation.
Where can the GCF be found?
We already have an international presence. Our headquarter is in Lichtenstein but we also have a presence in Zurich, Berlin and Cape Town. We are now expanding our presence and efforts into Asia which we aim to have solidified by 2020’s Q3.
If you are interested to learn more or want to engage or work with us just reach out to hello@globalcitizenfoundation.org.
