Many societal challenges, from traffic congestion to the detection of public health issues in cities, could be better addressed using data collected by private companies. Yet much of this information remains out of reach for governments, as businesses are reluctant to share their data and public problems are often insufficiently well defined. Researchers at the University of Amsterdam explored a potential solution: an independent data intermediary acting as a trusted party between businesses and government.
The research is a collaboration between UvA researchers in the fields of law and computer science, together with the City of Amsterdam. Together, they investigated what is required to establish data sharing between companies and governments in a sound and secure manner, and how a data intermediary could contribute to that process. The team mapped relevant legislation, examined the technological possibilities, and identified barriers to data exchange through interviews with government bodies and businesses.
Researcher Heleen Janssen uses shared electric scooters as a concrete example. Data about trips and parking movements, collected by the companies that rent out the scooters, is valuable for municipalities seeking to understand where scooters are being left and whether better parking facilities are needed. Despite the clear public benefit, companies are generally reluctant to share such data. Much of it contains personal information or trade secrets, and businesses fear violating privacy legislation or exposing sensitive commercial information.
A further obstacle is that governments often request data without clearly specifying which problem they aim to solve. According to Janssen, governments need to define their questions precisely and identify exactly which data are needed before approaching businesses. One key finding from the research is that existing legislation is nowhere fully comprehensive, creating uncertainty on both sides. Companies fear reputational damage if their data is misused, while governments fear losing the trust of citizens.
A data intermediary, the researchers argue, can help bridge this gap. Janssen describes such an intermediary as a party with legal, organisational and technical expertise that helps businesses and governments exchange data in a reliable way. By mapping the interests of both parties, asking the right questions, and establishing clear agreements about access to and use of data, such an intermediary can help build the trust needed for effective and responsible data sharing.
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