IBM Makes Another Blockchain Identity Play With Health Data App

IBM's blockchain division is widening its work in the nascent field of "Self-sovereign identity" - technology designed to give individuals greater control over their personal data.

To the idea that legal ownership of one's data should be a "31.st. human right" in addition to the 30 already ratified by the United Nations.

Starting with the well-established market for health record data, he said he expects location data, search history and e-commerce habits will also be "Owned" by users.

Upon claiming their data property rights, Hu-manity users receive a title of ownership, akin to a property deed.

Co global consent ledger, which records the granting and revocation of permission to use someone's data, is built on the IBM Blockchain Platform using Hyperledger Fabric, the two companies will also collaborate with Sovrin.

Comparing the personal data humans produce to crude oil, Etwaru told CoinDesk, "The partnership with IBM enables private blockchain to create a direct relationship between the crude data provider - the human being - and the buyer of the refined data at the end of the supply chain."

In its refined form, personal data such as a patient's health record changes hands for an average of around $400, Ewaru pointed out.

Regulations in the U.S. and beyond are very unspecific when it comes to personal data and can be interpreted in different ways, noted Etwaru.

There could equally be an interpretation whereby an individual has the right to notify a corporation requesting them not sell data in the de-authorized format.

"The end buyer could have better compliance posture if they use our data and we can figure out the economics between the individual and the buyer. The pharmaceutical industry has never really been offered an explicit consenting relationship with individuals before," he said.