We’re currently living in a world where our digital identities are siloed over the web, fragmented and open to exploitation. In reality, every click, every purchase, every comment or tweet on social media — everything we do online — is collected, mined, and profitably exploited without our real knowledge. It's like a modern-day version of the Wild West, instead of land, it's our data that's being claimed. Let’s face it, most of us are tired of feeling out of control. We’re less like digital citizens than we are serfs in a new digital feudalism.

What if there was an alternative that put you back in control? Imagine being able to truly own your digital identities—and profit from them, too. That’s what’s exciting about the partnership that cheqd has with Anonyome Labs.

Can We Really Own Our Data?

This is not only mo then privacy settings and confusing terms of service agreements. This is less about picking one program over another, and more about fundamentally changing the power dynamic. From where I sit, this partnership is a David versus Goliath kind of opportunity. We, the people, are David, and the big tech companies that are colonizing our data are Goliath.

At the core of all of this is the concept of verifiable credentials. Think of it like this: instead of handing over your entire driver's license to prove you're old enough to buy alcohol, you present a verifiable credential confirming your age. It’s safe, it’s private, and it’s completely up to you who can view it. This is their specialty but paired with cheqd’s decentralized payment infrastructure, new and exciting opportunities can unfold.

Picture a world where you’re compensated each time an employer checks your references. Looking to demonstrate your academic credentials to that dream employer? You get paid. Or let’s say you want to share your health records with a researcher. You get paid. You are empowered, and you reap the rewards directly.

This isn't just some pie-in-the-sky dream. cheqd’s on-chain payment rails are built to scale this vision to the worldwide level. In short, they’re pioneering a platform that helps credential issuers earn a profit. As a side benefit, users will at last begin to get paid for the value of the data they create! This is potentially a big deal. Fraser Edwards, cheqd’s Co-founder and CEO, thinks it will be the one to finally show that privacy and profit can align.

Forgotten Voices: Who Benefits Most?

Greater digital sovereignty is in all of our interests. I would argue that this technology can be more transformative to marginalized communities than non-marginalized ones. Think about it: communities that are disproportionately affected by data breaches, identity theft, and discriminatory algorithms. These are precisely the individuals who would benefit most from having greater ownership and agency of their own digital identities.

In so many ways, this feels like what I’ve read about traditional Irish folklore. Stories of taking back what was taken from us, of outsmarting the rich and powerful, of creating a new world in the shell of the old. We think this partnership is a real-world remake of that story, with much better actors. It’s time to take back what should be ours: our digital self. Only then can we equip ourselves and empower our communities.

Data breaches disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The joint statement describes financial services, healthcare, and education as key industries. In these fields, a data breach can have catastrophic outcomes. For communities that have long been impacted by systemic disadvantages, a data breach may be the breaking point. By putting these communities in the driver’s seat when it comes to their data, we can begin protecting them from further harm.

Demand Better. Support The Revolution.

This isn't just about technology. It's about a fundamental shift in mindset. We need to hold the feet to the fire on these companies who we do business with. We need to demand privacy-focused solutions. We have to continue to fight for the rights to own and control our data.

While this partnership is a great step in the right direction, it’s only the beginning. We must fund and invest in initiatives that lead us toward digital sovereignty. We have to learn and know what our rights are. First and foremost, we need to hold companies accountable for their data practices.

The future of our digital identities is too important to leave to chance and we need your help. Let's not let it slip away. Let’s not waste this chance to restore what’s been lost and create a more just and equitable digital universe.

Help us to initiate that dialogue and transform this partnership into a full-fledged movement. The time to act is now. Our digital future depends on it.

  • Research cheqd and Anonyome Labs.
  • Contact companies you do business with and ask about their data privacy policies.
  • Support organizations that advocate for digital rights.
  • Talk to your friends and family about the importance of digital identity.

Let's start a conversation and turn this partnership into a movement. The time to act is now. Our digital future depends on it.