Respect Network launches what it describes as the first global network for trusted private data sharing-- a platform to help users manage their online identity and data via encrypted private clouds.
The network's aim is nothing less than replacing current centralised social networks with a private cloud for every user or business from 3rd party provider of choice. Data sharing takes place over private peer-to-peer connections between members (with no middleman), meaning one can share private data as easily as they can over public clouds, but with the addition of privacy.
Membership involves a €20 annual fee granting users data management tools, a small amount of cloud storage and a lifetime "cloud name" beginning with a equals sign, Twitter-stye (so this writer's cloud name would be =marco.attard, for instance).
Members also have to sign up to the Respect Trust Framework, a semi-legal document outlining the principles of the network.
Cloud storage comes from a choice five Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), but Respect Network says more will be added in the future.
“Protection of our digital life is the civil rights issue of our time," Respect Networks says. "Being able to choose what happens with our private information on the Internet is something we should all have the right to do-– for our sakes, and for the sake of future generations. Now is the time to act.”
Repect Network is a 3-year collaboration between 70 companies and open source projects. It was founded by Neustar, and Europe-based partners include Allfiled, Ctrl-Shift, CitizenMe, Digital Animal, miiCard, mydex, MyProfessionalID, Paoga, Social Safe, SmarterComplaints and The Customers’ Voice, among others.
