WO2020037369A1

WO2020037369A1 - Method and forum for data supply

Info

Publication number: WO2020037369A1
Application number: PCT/AU2019/050885
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Wilson; Henry Cheang; Glen Robinson; Phillip Denley
Original assignee: Veriglif Inc.
Priority date: 2018-08-22
Filing date: 2019-08-22
Publication date: 2020-02-27

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provides a digital data forum including two or more independently operable data storage warehouses, each warehouse containing a plurality of data records relating to individuals recorded as data subjects and comprising data fields for populating with the data of said individuals. The forum further includes an interface means configured for allowing access to the forum by a data consumer seeking elements of the data stored in a warehouse. The forum further includes means for the data consumer to perform a distributed search across all storage warehouses for data meeting criteria specified by the data consumer.

Description

METHOD AND FORUM FOR DATA SUPPLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to the field of apparatus for and a method of providing for the validation of and a forum for sharing data, specifically, but not only, market and social research data.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] A data point is known to comprise a data domain and a data value. The value is a variable specific to the domain. The domain may be simple, such as a person’s age. The actual number representing the age will be the value. The data domain may alternatively be more complex composite entity, combining two or more fields in a data record, for example in an address the fields of suburb, state and postcode. Each of these fields yield a separate value. A data point may also comprise a survey question, the value of which would correspond with an answer to the question in question.

[0004] A distributed ledger is a blockchain-based ledger within which transactions relating to data points are permanently and irrevocably stored in an electronic memory. The term“blockchain” refers to an information technology system that provides a secure encrypted digital record of assets and transactions. Blockchain assists in the transfer of data from a sender to a recipient through a plurality of routes and in the checking at the receiving end for correspondence between the data files received and the data sent. A blockchain receipt is algorithm-produced, issued in digital form, cost-efficient and constitutes permanent evidence of a Blockchain transaction. It proves that data was recorded in the blockchain and can be used to verify the contents and timestamp of any file, database record, photo, etc. It eliminates the need for middlemen, transaction processors and verifiers. The recipient of a blockchain receipt pertaining to a third party blockchain transaction will be empowered to know that certain data has been recorded on the blockchain. [0005] An aspect of market research is that of finding participants. Incentives are routinely offered to attract participants to give of their time when many other forms of media compete for opinions on subjects of any kind, including social media. Survey respondents (participants) are currently paid by means of credits directly or indirectly from the market research company with which they interact. When a respondent has earned enough credits with a company, the accumulated value is exchangeable for items offered at the redemption store of the company concerned. There is no facility for a respondent to pool credits earned from different survey companies into a single virtual wallet. A need therefore exists for there to be a single digital wallet that is configured to collect value tokens from a plurality of independent market research organizations and make them available in an accumulated value store to the respondent concerned.

[0006] A vulnerability of online market research surveys is that they can often be completed fraudulently by bots or professional respondents. This is because current ways of identifying respondents or participants make use of personal data elements such as email addresses, which are easy to obtain from search engines and popular email platforms such as Gmail, Hotmail, etc. A bot is relatively easily programmable to obtain a multitude of email addresses and use these as identification when earning points or tokens for surveys it automatically completes. Even an individual may mine myriad email addresses and assume the role of a professional respondent using these. A need exists for a digital wallet that is verifiable by means of an independent communications system such as text message (“SMS”) or email, or by a biometric tool, such as facial recognition and human verification.

[0007] US patent application publication no. 2008/0172339 discusses methods of authenticating transactions using a computer program wherein a first data pattern is sent to a mobile telephone requesting a transaction and a second data pattern is sent to a verifier system by a device managing a transaction for a business. The respective data patterns are encrypted using a private key and decrypted using a public key with correspondence being tested. However, the issue of the irrefutability of the data underlying the data pattern is not addressed.

[0008] Patent US 8,386,774 (Lin) makes use of a one-way hash function in verification of a transaction- or event-logging system, when testing the integrity of a transaction data set. The trusted third party is not required to perform any hashing on the data that it holds about the transacting party, leaving open an opportunity of compromising the security of the transaction.

SUMMARY

[0009] It is an object of this invention to address the shortcomings of the prior art and, in doing so, to provide distributed system in which a verified identity can be irrevocably linked to data and evidence of verification made available in a digital electronic forum.

[0010] A further object of the invention is to provide method of improving speed of access to data such as, but not limited to, survey data.

[0011 ] The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the priority date of the present application.

[0012] Further, and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, meaning“including, but not being limited to” - as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, meaning“including this and nothing else”.

[0013] In this description, the following definitions of terms used will apply, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0014] Data subject: This is to be understood as an entity, typically but not necessarily a human individual, which or who is providing collectible data, for example by completing a survey for market research. This would be done online, or the data entered after collection through a suitable man/machine interface (MMI).

[0015] Identities: These refer to digital identities. Each data subject is allocated a digital identity in the form of a public/private key. The identity is linked to the subject via a verification mechanism of known kind, for example text message (SMS) or a call to a mobile telephone, verification by a trusted third party or in-person verification and the like.

[0016] Reference to market research should be understood to extend to research conducted in relation to market and social research. [0017] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a digital data forum including two or more independently operable data storage warehouses, each warehouse containing a plurality of data records relating to individuals recorded as data subjects and comprising data fields for populating with the data of said individuals. The digital data forum also includes an interface means configured for allowing access to the forum by an authorised data consumer (such as a researcher) seeking elements of the data stored in a warehouse. The digital data forum also includes a means for the data consumer to perform a distributed search across all storage warehouses for data meeting criteria specified by the data consumer.

[0018] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the forum provides for creation or includes means for creation of a smart contract wherein the data consumer is authorized to obtain access to the warehouses for data acquisition. The smart contract may be a computer protocol for digitally facilitating, verifying, or enforcing a performance or negotiation of a contract. The smart contract may allow the performance of credible transactions without involvement of third parties. The transactions may be trackable and irreversible.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the smart contract is stored using distributed ledger means.

[0020] In some embodiments, the distributed ledger means may comprise a blockchain system.

[0021 ] In some embodiments, the data subjects are specifically, but not only, respondents in market and social research surveys. In some embodiments, the data subjects may include any other person or individuals sharing data or providing information. The individuals may include participants in market or social research surveys.

[0022] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the forum includes means for allowing data to be transacted from external independent data warehouses.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the forum includes means for allowing the individuals to receive an incentive directly or indirectly for data of the individuals that may be produced by another party comprising a social network, a market research provider, and so forth. The incentive may be received from the data consumer. [0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the data forum further includes means for storing incentives received from the data consumer or multiple data consumers.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the forum includes means for allowing GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) type governance while still offering immutable transaction history as the identities are pseudonymised once the subject is removed.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the forum includes means for allowing other parties (to the subject) to be incentivised for their role in at least one of producing the data, and augmenting the data for further insights and analysis.

[0027] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of permanently and irrevocably connecting data to a distributed ledge. The method includes providing a data transfer network comprising networked computer devices, a data transfer protocol governing transfer of data over the network and programmed instructions executable on the devices for causing transfer according to the protocol. The method further includes configuring means to interact with two or more of the devices wherein, through interaction, properties of data-related operations are verifiable.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the data operations properties may include information establishing how the data was collected, the purpose of its collection, its intended usage, manner of actual use and information relating to the user.

[0029] A yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for detecting a frequency of market or social research survey participation by a participant. The system includes an online platform configured for allocating a digital wallet to each participant registered with the system. The system also includes a means in communication with the platform for causing a record relating to each survey completed by a registered participant to be posted to the wallet using distributed ledger means. The system further includes means configured to retrieve from the ledger means a history of records relating to a specified participant for discerning the frequency of participation of the participant and comparing the frequency with a set limiting criterion. [0030] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the system also includes means for flagging excessive participation and for barring further participation at least temporarily.

[0031 ] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic forum including at least two data warehouses configured for electronic data storage of collected survey data relating to a data subject. The forum further includes access means for establishing data communication between the warehouses and distributed ledger means.

[0032] The non-limiting examples of the data subjects may include respondents and participants in market or social research surveys or individuals providing information.

[0033] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the forum is configured to execute payment instructions in according with contractual terms, wherein funds or tokens of value are distributed to counterparties to a contract relating to data transfer.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the forum includes data processor means programmed to execute payment instructions in accordance with contractual terms, wherein funds or tokens of value are distributed to counterparties to a contract relating to data transfer.

[0035] Another embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a blockchain contract for the disposal of data pertaining to a data subject, wherein the smart contract includes control means operable to control access to the data on the basis of at least a part of the name of a data consumer seeking such access. The smart contract being a computer protocol for digitally facilitating, verifying, or enforcing a performance or negotiation of a contract.

[0036] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the contract specifies a purpose for which access to the data is sought and optionally the duration for which it may be used.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the system also includes means operable for tracking a type of usage to which data pertaining to a data subject is put.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the interface means enables inputting of a request for removal of said data subject data.

[0039] In some embodiments, the request is an opt-out request. [0040] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the request is executable to cause global deletion of said data subject data in all communicably reachable warehouses and data consumer systems.

[0041 ] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the contract comprises interface means for enabling a data subject to opt out of participation in providing data for a data consumer.

[0042] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of electronic wallet verification comprises storing verification status in a distributed ledger. In this embodiment, the method may include storing information pertaining to a medium of verification in a distributed ledger.

[0043] In some embodiments, the method may also include providing means by which an individual associated with a verified wallet may opt out of participation in providing data for a data consumer.

[0044] In some embodiments, the forum of the present disclosure allows data to be transacted from external independent data warehouses. The data may include any data such as, but not limited to, market research data, survey data, online marketing data, social network data, and so forth.

[0045] In some embodiments, the forum of the present disclosure allows the individuals to be incentivised or receive an incentive directly or indirectly for their data that may be produced by another party, such as, but not limited to, a social network or a market research provider.

[0046] In some embodiments, the forum of the present disclosure allows GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) type governance while still offering immutable transaction history as the identities are pseudonymised once the subject is removed.

[0047] In some embodiments, the forum of the present disclosure allows other parties (to the subject) to be incentivised for their role in the same, e.g. producing the data, augmenting it for further insights, etc.

[0048] Other and further aspects and features of the disclosure will be evident from reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, not limit, the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0049] Prior to discussing the details of the present disclosure, it should be understood that several sections of the following description are presented largely in terms of logic and operations that may be performed by conventional components. These components, which may be grouped in a single location or distributed over a wide area, generally include processors, memory, storage devices, graphical displays, input devices, etc. In circumstances where the components are distributed, the components are accessible to each other via communication links. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a description of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without some or all of the specific details.

[0050] The data forum of the invention makes use of series of computer instructions, networking and data transfer protocols thereby to provide a distributed system by means of which data collected for a designated purpose may be permanently and irrevocably connected to a distributed ledger such as blockchain, enabling it to be proven how the data was collected, for what purpose it was collected, its intended usage and how it was actually used. The designated purpose may, for example, be nominated as market research, marketing, demographic studies, statistical analysis and the like.

[0051 ] Data consumers are permitted access to stored data under a contractual arrangement with the forum administrator or operator. The forum provides data connection with two or more separate data warehouses in which the data is stored, preferably with suitable indexing. The contract details however, are permanently recorded and evidenced on the blockchain ledger. Payments are be made by data consumers according to their contract terms.

[0052] The distributed ledger retains records of each payment made by the data consumers to service providers, which include without limitation their data providers, data subjects, data validators and the forum operator. The distributed ledger also records transactions of tokens of value transferred to token holders, such as data subjects. The non-limiting examples of the data subjects may include respondents and participants in market or social research surveys.

[0053] Electronic wallets are created and uniquely allocated to each data subject providing data to the system, specifically, but not only through a response to a survey. Wallet software enables the subject to hold electronic identities in the form of a series of cryptographic public and private key pairs. The private portion of the key pair may be stored offline or in other forms of electronic storage or media. The identity of the data subject, to whom a wallet is allocated, is verified via a series of physical or electronic services, for example text messaging (SMS), telephone notification, In-person verification, identity checks, third party verification and the like. The status and medium of verification (not the verified identity itself) is stored within the distributed ledger or blockchain.

[0054] Each data subject is able to set usage permissions (directly or by an authorised data producer) for their data such as the type of market research, whether the data is able to be resold for direct marketing purposes, whether the data can be aggregated or de- identified, whether the data subject can be contacted for further data collection, market research or marketing activities and the true name or part thereof of any data consumer that is permitted or not permitted access to their data. If data is de-identified or allowed for aggregation or summarizing, then the granular control by the data subject will not be retainable.

[0055] The distributed ledger in the present invention is permanently linked, via cryptographic techniques such as cryptographic hashes, hashed message authentication codes and cryptographic signatures, to the identity of the data subject, the identity of the organization which collected the data (data producer), and to any data consumers. The use of the distributed ledger facilitates data consumers and data producers to be fully compliant with legislated data privacy regulations such as the European GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). The data subject is enabled to see all usage of their data (including by related entities of the collector and consumer) and is therefore able to request that their data or specific portions thereof be removed from any systems operated by or associated with the data providers or data consumers. The non-limiting examples of the data subject may include respondents and participants in market or social research surveys or individuals providing information. The forum provides for issuance of a confirmation when data removal is completed with a cross-reference to the original request being retained in the blockchain. The forum server is programmed to record each instance of the data subject data being used for a new purpose (making a new transaction) or by a related entity, with the making of reference to the original transaction with the new entity details. The name of the data consumer may be hidden or not hidden, with the data subject designating via their system interface whether hidden entities may use their data.

[0056] Data producers, as referred to in this specification, are typically market research entities, but may be other types of data producers that function to enrich data subject- derived data. Examples of such producers include social media, marketing systems and electronic sensors, including surveillance devices and components on the internet of things (IOT). In addition to connecting the data subject data to the identity of a data producer and its internal identity, the forum system is configured to facilitate approved data consumers searching for data stored in any of the data producer’s databases via the data forum. For example, by linking a data subject’s Facebook® account, approved content from the relevant Facebook account can be sold within the forum marketplace. Consequently, both the Facebook operator (for hosting and maintaining the systems) and the data subject are able to be rewarded.

[0057] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0058] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the system of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to Figure 1 , a preferred embodiment of this invention, the system architecture is generally denoted by the number 10. The data forum comprises a front- end server 12 networked with a number of data storage warehouse nodes 14, 16, 18, 20. Many more nodes may be similarly connected using conventional networking infrastructure with encrypted communication. The server is a computational device of suitable processing power and file serving capacity, numerous examples of which are well known.

[0060] The system 10 can be used in market research environment and in other industries where data is shared and/or sold such as in online direct marketing industry.

[0061 ] The user of a remote computational device 22 having a suitably operable man- machine interface (MMI) is registered for authorised access to the forum data through portal 24 established by communication between device 22 and server 12. To gain the right of access, the user of device 22 enters into a suitable access contract with the operator of the server. The contract is recorded using blockchain 30.

[0062] Data relating to market research responses is collected by market research service providers from individual respondents 32, numbered 11 to In. The existence of the data is recorded in blockchain 34 and the data itself stored in a data warehouse 26 associated with the service provider concerned. Using the blockchain ensures that records of each data transaction are indelibly stored.

[0063] When a respondent completes a survey for a service provider 32, the service provider posts to the credit of the respondent a token of value. The respondent is able to accumulate the tokens received and exchange them for value within an external exchange or within a service provider’s redemption store. This incentivises participation, but has the drawback that it attracts attempts at defrauding the system by for example having a‘bot’ provide responses to multiple surveys. This of course compromises the integrity of the all the data collected for any survey affected. A plurality of digital wallets 36 is therefore set up, each of which is uniquely allocated to an individual respondent 32. When a service provider engages a respondent to participate in a survey and the respondent has satisfactorily completed the survey assigned, this successful event is recorded and a token dispatched electronically to the relevant wallet to be posted therein.

[0064] To determine when participation has occurred, the server polls or is notified by the warehouses regularly and updates the wallets accordingly. When a respondent’s history indicates that his participation has exceeded set guidelines or limits in terms of frequency within a given time window, his identify is flagged to the service provider, who is notified not to permit further participation by the individual concerned.

[0065] The system provides for the forum to be interrogated by a data consumer, such as, but not limited to, a researcher or an authorised researcher or user, who has registered as a user. A research query initiated by means of a computer device 22, which is networked with server 12, is communicated to and received by the server front end. The server has authentication means operable to verify the right of access of the operator of the device 22 equipped with the MMI. The MMI may be provided to be operable using a personal computing device, such as a personal computer or a more mobile form such as a smartphone handset or tablet computer. The nature of the platform on which the MMI operates is not crucial to the performance or implementation of the invention. The server stores a master index comprising references to individual data records 26 held on at least one of the warehouse storage nodes. The data records may be classified according to a structured system to make referencing and retrieval easy and efficient. The operator of device 22 is required to input the purpose for which the data being requested is intended. The purpose may include, by way of non-limiting examples, market research, marketing (direct or otherwise), demographic studies, statistical analysis, surveys (for example on attitudes, political views), aggregation, de-identification, census activities, government research and the like.

[0066] Forum server 12 employs its data processor to query the master index in order to identify possible nodes to search. Identification is performed on the basis of criteria in search strings entered by the operator of query-entering device having MMI 22. By the server processor executing routines and applying protocols that interrogate the data warehouses 26, the results of the query are retrieved and compiled into usable form and communicated to the MMI of device 22. Communication may be in terms of a condition in a digital or prior-agreed contract and may be in exchange for value.

[0067] In this example, suppose warehouse nodes 16, 20 are identified in the basis of the index and classifications as being relevant to the query. The server simultaneously connects with these nodes only to query for the relevant data. Each node 16, 20, executing a stored response routine, then responds to the server by sending it a summary of the data being requested. The summary includes prices and metadata, which may include information concerning the source and age of the data.

[0068] Advantageously a data provider, whether a respondent, being the data subject of the forum, or a data service provider, is enabled when completing a survey to set usage permissions for the data they submit. For example, they may specify the type of market research (from a displayed menu), whether the data is able to be resold for direct marketing purposes, whether the data can be aggregated or de-identified, whether the data subject (respondent personally) may be contacted for further data collection, market research or marketing activities and the true name or part thereof of any data consumer that is permitted or not permitted access to the records of their data. It is important to note that if data is de-identified or allowed for aggregation or summarizing, the granular control by the respondent as subject of the data will not be retained. A data provider is permitted also to set permissions on data, due for example to confidentiality and acquirer-imposed restrictions.

[0069] Forum participants as discussed above have levels of trust associated with them, based on the level of verification applied to link them with the data subject. The higher the level of trust, the higher the number of verification methods that are applied to the identity. For example, a data subject could have proven their identity by inputting a code sent to them via text message (proving that the identity is linked to a real person who owns a cellular phone service). The data subject may further have proven their identity by providing a copy of a personal officially issued document such as their driver’s licence or passport. In some embodiments, validation may additionally be performed by matching one or more identity data points associated with data subjects across two or more data warehouses. Each verification method is given a ranking and score and these combine to provide a confidence score for the identity. The higher the confidence score, the greater the level of confidence that can be placed in data points connected to the data subject’s identity. Additionally, a data subject may specify that only data consumers who are prepared to disclose their verified entity name (e.g. company name or individual name) may use their data. This identity disclosure process involves issuance of a verified data subject request with a reference to a proposed data acquisition transaction, followed by a response including the name of the data consumer requesting acquisition.

[0070] Optionally, as referred to above, the data subject may specify by way of an electronic contract prior to any transaction taking place the true name (or part thereof) of any consumer or associated entity that may or may not receive or use their data. This is facilitated by using the validation service during the contract transaction.

[0071 ] The system includes a mechanism to re-verify participant identity and to take ownership of orphaned verified identities. Once a re-identification is complete any wallet associated therewith is locked against removal of funds for a set period of time and all known identity checking systems are notified of the re-identification.

[0072] The forum provides a portal by means of which a data subject may opt-out of all market research and other data sharing activities once their identity has been verified. This request will be stored in the blockchain and be searchable to all data producer entities prior to conducting any market research or other targeted data collection activities.

[0073] The systems and forums disclosed in the present disclosure can be used in market research industry. Additionally, the system and forum disclosed may be used in other industries where data is shared and sold such as, but not limiting to, online direct marketing.

[0074] The present disclosure provides a system and a method for providing validation of and a forum for sharing data such as, but not limited to, market and social research data.

[0075] The forum of the present disclosure allows data to be transacted from external independent data warehouses.

[0076] The forum of the present disclosure allows the individuals to be incentivised directly or indirectly for their data that may be produced by another party, such as, but not limited to, a social network or a market research provider.

[0077] The forum of the present disclosure allows GDPR type governance while still offering immutable transaction history as the identities are pseudonymised once the subject is removed.

[0078] The forum of the present disclosure allows other parties (to the subject) to be incentivised for their role in the same for example, producing the data, augmenting it for further insights, etc.

[0079] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a digital data forum including two or more independently operable data storage warehouses. Each warehouse may include a plurality of data records relating to individuals recorded as data subjects and including data fields for populating with the data of said individuals. The digital data forum includes an interface means configured for allowing access to the forum by a data consumer (such as a researcher or an authorised user) seeking elements of the data stored in a warehouse. The digital data forum also includes means for the data consumer to perform a distributed search across all storage warehouses for data meeting criteria specified by the data consumer.

[0080] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the forum includes means for creation of a smart contract wherein the data consumer is authorised to obtain access to the warehouses for data acquisition. The smart contract may be a computer protocol for digitally facilitating, verifying, or enforcing a performance or negotiation of a contract.

[0081 ] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the smart contract is stored using distributed ledger means.

[0082] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the distributed ledger means may comprise a blockchain system.

[0083] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the data subjects includes, but are not limited to, respondents and other person including participants in market or social research surveys.

[0084] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the forum includes means for allowing data to be transacted from external independent data warehouses.

[0085] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the forum includes means for allowing the individuals to receive an incentive directly or indirectly for data of the individuals that may be produced by another party comprising a social network, a market research provider, and so forth. The incentive is received from the data consumer.

[0086] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the data forum further includes means for storing incentives received from the data consumer or multiple data consumers.

[0087] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the forum includes means for allowing GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) type governance while still offering immutable transaction history as the identities are pseudonymised once the subject is removed.

[0088] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the forum includes means for allowing other parties (to the subject) to be incentivised for their role in at least one of producing the data, and augmenting the data for further insights and analysis.

[0089] Another embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a method of permanently and irrevocably connecting data to a distributed ledger. The method includes providing a data transfer network comprising networked computer devices, a data transfer protocol governing transfer of data over the network and programmed instructions executable on the devices for causing transfer according to the protocol. The method further includes configuring means to interact with two or more of the devices wherein, through interaction, properties of data-related operations are verifiable.

[0090] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the data operations properties include information establishing how the data was collected, the purpose of its collection, its intended usage, manner of actual use and information relating to the user.

[0091 ] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for detecting the frequency of market or social research survey participation by a participant. The system includes an online platform configured for allocating a digital wallet to each participant registered with the system. The system also includes means in communication with the platform for causing a record relating to each survey completed by a registered participant to be posted to the wallet using distributed ledger means. The system further includes means configured to retrieve from the ledger means a history of records relating to a specified participant for discerning the frequency of participation of the participant and comparing the frequency with a set limiting criterion.

[0092] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the system also includes means for flagging excessive participation and for barring further participation at least temporarily to said participant.

[0093] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic forum comprising at least two data warehouses configured for electronic data storage of collected survey data relating to a data subject, the forum comprising access means for establishing data communication between the warehouses and distributed ledger means.

[0094] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the electronic forum is programmed to execute payment instructions in according with contractual terms, wherein funds or tokens of value are distributed to counterparties to a contract relating to data transfer.

[0095] Another embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a blockchain contract for the disposal of data pertaining to a data subject, wherein the contract includes control means operable to control access to the data on the basis of at least a part of the name of a data consumer seeking such access.

[0096] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the blockchain contract specifies a purpose for which access to the data is sought. [0097] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the blockchain contract further includes means operable for tracking a type of usage to which data pertaining to a data subject is put.

[0098] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the blockchain contract further includes interface means enabling inputting of a request for removal of said data subject data.

[0099] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the request is executable to cause global deletion of said data subject data in all communicably reachable warehouses and data consumer systems.

[00100] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the blockchain contract further includes interface means enabling a data subject to opt out of participation in providing data for a data consumer.

[00101] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of electronic wallet verification comprising storing verification status in a distributed ledger.

[00102] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the method of electronic wallet verification also includes storing information pertaining to a medium of verification in a distributed ledger.

[00103] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the method of electronic wallet verification also includes providing means by which an individual associated with a verified wallet may opt out of participation in providing data for a data consumer.

[00104] These embodiments merely illustrate particular examples of the method, and systems of the invention providing means for securing data transfer using blockchain facilities in the market research field. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the drawing and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to or discernible by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.

[00105] With the insight gained from this disclosure, the person skilled in the art is well placed to discern further embodiments by means of which to put the claimed invention into practice.

[00106] It will be understood that the devices and the databases referred to in the previous sections are not necessarily utilized together method or system of the embodiments. Rather, these devices are merely exemplary of the various devices that may be implemented within a computing device or the server device, and can be implemented in exemplary another device, and other devices as appropriate, that can communicate via a network to the exemplary server device.

[00107] It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

[00108] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.

[00109] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems, methods, or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A digital data forum comprising:

two or more independently operable data storage warehouses, each warehouse containing a plurality of data records relating to individuals recorded as data subjects and comprising data fields for populating with the data of said individuals;

an interface means configured for allowing access to the forum by a data consumer seeking elements of the data stored in a warehouse; and

means for the data consumer to perform a distributed search across all storage warehouses for data meeting criteria specified by the data consumer.

2. The forum of claim 1 further comprising means for creation of a smart contract wherein the data consumer is authorised to obtain access to the warehouses for data acquisition, wherein the smart contract being a computer protocol for digitally facilitating, verifying, or enforcing a performance or negotiation of a contract.

3. The forum of claim 2, wherein the smart contract is stored using distributed ledger means.

4. The forum of claim 3, wherein the distributed ledger means comprises a blockchain system.

5. The forum of claim 1 , wherein the data subjects comprises respondents and participants in market or social research surveys or individuals providing information.

6. The forum of claim 5 further comprising means for allowing data to be transacted from external independent data warehouses.

7. The forum of claim 6 further comprising means for allowing the individuals to receive an incentive directly or indirectly for data of the individuals that may be produced by another party comprising a social network, and a market research provider, wherein the individuals receives the incentive from the data consumer.

8. The forum of claim 7, further comprising means for storing incentives received from the data consumer.

9. The forum of claim 6 further comprising means for allowing GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) type governance while still offering immutable transaction history as the identities are pseudonymised once the subject is removed.

10. The forum of claim 6 further comprising means for allowing other parties (to the subject) to be incentivised for their role in at least one of producing the data, and augmenting the data for further insights and analysis.

1 1 . A method of permanently and irrevocably connecting data to a distributed ledger, the method comprising: providing a data transfer network comprising networked computer devices, a data transfer protocol governing transfer of data over the network and programmed instructions executable on the devices for causing transfer according to the protocol; and configuring means to interact with two or more of the devices wherein, through interaction, properties of data-related operations are verifiable.

12. The method of claim 1 1 , wherein the data operations properties comprises information establishing how the data was collected, the purpose of its collection, its intended usage, manner of actual use and information relating to the user.

13. A system for detecting a frequency of market or social research survey participation by a participant, the system comprising: an online platform configured for allocating a digital wallet to each participant registered with the system;

means in communication with the platform for causing a record relating to each survey completed by a registered participant to be posted to the wallet using distributed ledger means; and

means configured to retrieve from the ledger means a history of records relating to a specified participant for discerning the frequency of participation of the participant and comparing the frequency with a set limiting criterion.

14. The system of claim 13 further comprising means for flagging excessive participation and for barring further participation at least temporarily to said participant.

15. An electronic forum comprising at least two data warehouses configured for electronic data storage of collected survey data relating to a data subject, the forum comprising access means for establishing data communication between the warehouses and distributed ledger means.

16. The electronic forum according to claim 15, wherein the forum is configured to execute payment instructions in according with contractual terms, wherein funds or tokens of value are distributed to counterparties to a contract relating to data transfer.

17. A blockchain contract for the disposal of data pertaining to a data subject, wherein the contract includes control means operable to control access to the data on the basis of at least a part of the name of a data consumer seeking such access.

18. The blockchain contract according to claim 17, wherein the contract specifies a purpose for which access to the data is sought.

19. The blockchain contract according to claim 18 further comprising means operable for tracking a type of usage to which data pertaining to a data subject is put.

20. The blockchain contract according to claim 19 further comprising interface means enabling inputting of a request for removal of said data subject data.

21 . The blockchain contract according to claim 20, wherein the request is executable to cause global deletion of said data subject data in all communicably reachable warehouses and data consumer systems.

22. The blockchain contract according to claim 21 further comprising interface means for enabling a data subject to opt out of participation in providing data for a data consumer.

23. A method of electronic wallet verification comprising storing verification status in a distributed ledger.

24. The method of electronic wallet verification according to claim 23 further comprising storing information pertaining to a medium of verification in a distributed ledger.

25. The method of electronic wallet verification according to claim 24 further comprising providing means by which an individual associated with a verified wallet may opt out of participation in providing data for a data consumer.