4 Trust

 

This chapter covers

  • Current efforts to slow or stop the evolution and expansion of proactive access, management, and monetization of data by individuals
  • The state of trust in companies in general, and trust in technology and media companies in particular
  • The value of data to you, and the introduction of the data dividend
  • Change driven by law through the governments of the EU, Australia, US, and the relevant US states

The original idea of the web was that it should be a collaborative space where you can communicate through sharing information.1 

—Tim Berners-Lee

Historically, the general population in many societies believed that large organizations, governments, and leaders were able to set a long-term course of sustained improvement for us as individuals, societies, and perhaps for all of mankind; able though not necessarily willing. Even though they may have doubts, people can and do rely on those entities to chart long-term and beneficial visions and missions for our collective future.

4.1 Forces that are working against our best interests

4.2 Trust

4.2.1 Infotainment is not news, and alternative facts do not exist

4.2.2 Citizenship and our duty to the objective truth

4.3 Trust in government

4.4 Trust in business and business leaders

4.4.1 Trust in technology companies

4.4.2 Why do people feel they need to be connected to technology?

4.4.3 Trust in media companies

4.5 Trust is lost; time for a change

4.6 Technology and media companies are making bank from your data

4.6.1 What is the value of data, and how much can it mean to each individual?

4.7 Governmental regulations

4.7.1 The European Union

4.7.2 Australia