Helping businesses get creative with consumer data
In the UK, leading businesses have taken up the challenge to create new digital apps using real consumer data in the ‘midata’ Innovation Lab officially opened by UK Government’s Consumer Minister Jo Swinson on July 10, 2013.
For the first time the lab is collecting real customer data from 1,000 volunteer consumers, and is inviting businesses to access a computer lab with the help of the Open Data Institute (ODI). So far, ‘midata’ has been working with industry to make sure that UK consumers can access their data – from utility to phone bills – in an accessible format.
The lab is taking this one step forward and has created a unique environment where businesses and developers can work together to learn how to empower consumers and innovate to use this data to create apps. Verizon is one of the Founding Partners who helped form the ‘midata’ Innovation Lab and define its workstreams.
Ali Rezvan, identity portfolio client partner at Verizon comments: “Enabling the consumer and enterprise to access their specific data on demand, without compromising basic right to privacy, is a complex process. We are proud to be able to support the midata lab with privacy guidance and identity management solutions and look forward to seeing this innovative project evolve. It gives Government and the new growing industry a great opportunity to work together to enable a new era of personalized data.”
The relationship between businesses and their customers has evolved to being more than simply buying products. With the popularity of loyalty cards, comparison sites and mobile applications, businesses are increasingly helping consumers manage their lives. ‘midata’ is working to ensure that people are able to request their personal data from businesses in a useful format. This will allow them to manage their money better and make informed lifestyle choices.
A part of the UK Government, the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) is the department for economic growth. The department invests in skills and education to promote trade, boost innovation and help people to start and grow a business. BIS also protects consumers and reduces the impact of regulation.
The complete release announcing the launch of the midata Innovation Lab may be found here.
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