Wibson Lets Consumers Take Back Control of Their Personal Information Through Blockchain-Powered Data Marketplace

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wibson is pleased to announce the launch of its blockchain-based, decentralized data marketplace that provides individuals a way to securely sell validated personal information in a trusted environment. The Wibson prototype mobile app will be the first step in supporting consumers' ability to monetize their data with direct offers from data buyers. Highlighted by an exclusive event for industry leaders and partners from the consumer data and blockchain worlds, the Wibson app launch will coincide with Mobile World Congress in Barcelona (Feb. 26^th ? March 1^st).

Through the release of the Wibson iOS and Android apps, individuals can connect to data sources, such as Facebook and their mobile device location, monitor offers from data buyers, and sell their personal data. "In today's economy, data equals money. Unfortunately, that exchange hasn't made its way into consumer wallets ? until now," says Wibson.org founder and CEO Mat Travizano. "Wibson completely changes this dynamic by restoring ownership over our personal information. Now consumers can access their data, and can choose to profit from these transactions how and when they want."

Wibson is built on a set of core principles designed to protect individuals. Because the marketplace is inherently transparent, users have complete insight into the intended use of their data, including if it is anonymized, who the buyer is and the price they will be paid.

Investors in Wibson include Telefonica, Kenetic Capital, and DG Capital, among many other prominent angel investors and funds. "Telefonica is excited to be an early investor in Wibson, a disruptive technology based on the blockchain, which will help people take back control of their personal data," said Telefonica Chief Innovation Officer, Gonzalo Martín-Villa.

Jehan Chu, Managing Partner of Kenetic Capital added, "The Wibson marketplace not only benefits consumers by providing them the ability to control and monetize their personal information, it gives corporate marketers, and advertisers access to high quality, verified data and an explicit consumer consent mechanism which will be absolutely critical as new privacy regulations, such as GDPR, come into effect in the coming months. Wibson is addressing a huge personal data opportunity with a very intelligent and thoughtful approach."

David Garcia, Managing Partner of DGG Capital, said, "I've been impressed by the speed and vision of the Wibson team. The personal data landscape is evolving rapidly, and the time is right to change how personal data is used and transacted. Improved transparency and consumer control of personal information may sound scary to corporate marketers, but the marketplace's decentralized nature and inherent transparency will support a more efficient and fair marketplace that ultimately benefits everyone in the data ecosystem."

How it works

• Individuals can connect to data sources such as Facebook and their mobile device location, monitor offers from data buyers, and sell their personal data. 
• Once the data transaction is confirmed, consumers receive payment for sharing access to their data.
• The Wibson personal data marketplace takes advantage of the blockchain network so that there is always a smart contract between data buyer and sellers that governs how consumers' personal information will be used.
• Typical data buyers are businesses who are looking for validated personal data to better target offers and ads or non-profit organizations who are conducting social good research.
• Currently, Wibson is running on the Ethereum test network and will be providing points for engagement that will be redeemable for the marketplaces' token, Wibcoin, when the complete network launches later this year.

The Wibson marketplace will be showcased at the launch event during Mobile World Congress on February 27^th. Event attendees will engage in a discussion about the future of consumer data in a new era of decentralized blockchain networks. Speakers include Wibson CEO Mat Travizano and Santi Siri, founder of blockchain based @DemocracyEarth.

To learn more about Wibson, visit the website at www.wibson.org.

About Wibson
Established in October of 2017, the Wibson data marketplace provides infrastructure and financial incentives for individuals to securely sell private information that is validated for accuracy, all without sacrificing personal privacy. Wibson is a project from the team behind Grandata whose mission is to create a trusted universal data platform that maximizes value for both individuals and companies.

Media Contacts:
Colleen Wickwire
+1 858 336 1078
[email protected]

Aaron Foreman                                                                                  
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SOURCE Wibson