User Data Sovereignty

Definition ∞ User data sovereignty is the principle that individuals should retain ultimate control and ownership over their personal data. This concept grants users the authority to decide how their data is collected, stored, processed, and shared. It contrasts with traditional models where platforms often retain extensive control over user information.
Context ∞ User data sovereignty is a core tenet of many Web3 and blockchain initiatives, aiming to empower individuals by decentralizing data control. Technologies such as self-sovereign identity and encrypted data storage on distributed ledgers seek to realize this principle. The ongoing development focuses on building secure and user-friendly systems that genuinely transfer data control from centralized entities to individual users.