The Ecosystem to
Guard Your Digital Self
The Privact Foundation
The Privact Foundation is the legal heart of the Privact Ecosystem, making it possible in the first place. Our core mission is to ensure that the principles of data sovereignty not only endure but flourish. We are here to protect your digital self, ensuring you have the greatest possible control over your own data.
Creating a truly private and secure digital world takes more than individual effort. Acting as a trustee for users, the Foundation creates, maintains, and operates the shared resources that empower us all. This includes developing and running essential software, setting clear and strong standards, acting as a trusted legal partner for products, services, and research that respect your privacy, and providing long-term support for the Privact vision: a world where everyone controls their own digital self.
We believe in transparency and user-controlled data. As a not-for-profit and charitable organization, the Foundation is built to last, ensuring our mission is protected from anything that could weaken our values or commitment to digital privacy.
The most important thing? The Foundation operates without needing to know your personal details. Your participation in the Privact Ecosystem is managed directly through your local Privact software, giving you the greatest possible control, free of obligations. We are here to serve you, ensuring a future where your digital self remains firmly in your hands.
Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash
Why do we need a Foundation?
Maintaining the Central Database Schema
The Foundation maintains a central database schema: a catalog of all data points that can exist in users’ local databases. It doesn’t store your actual data, but ensures that all data conforms to specific guidelines for seamless compatibility within the Privact Ecosystem. For example, it might specify that a temperature is always saved in °C, regardless of your local preference for °F. This standardized approach empowers users, products, and researchers to maximize the value derived from existing data.
Creating the Privact Software (as Free and Open Source Software)
The Foundation develops and maintains all Privact software as Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). This commitment ensures transparency, security, and long-term sustainability. By using FOSS, we empower the community to study, use, improve, and distribute the software. This fosters collaboration and builds a trustworthy environment for everyone.
Running the Technical Infrastructure
The Foundation operates the technical infrastructure that keeps the Privact Ecosystem running smoothly. This includes servers and other resources that support data exchange, consent management, and ecosystem-wide services. We ensure this infrastructure operates reliably and securely, safeguarding the integrity of the Privact Ecosystem.
Serving as a Legal Partner for Products, Services, and Research
The Foundation acts as a legal entity, safeguarding user rights in their interactions with products, services, and research. We achieve this by establishing clear terms of service that these organizations must agree to. These terms define data usage policies and allow Privact to audit compliance. The Foundation ensures that all participating organizations adhere to ethical data practices and respect user rights, building a trustworthy environment for everyone.
Safeguarding the Privact Seal
The Foundation is the exclusive authority for awarding the Privact Seal. This seal is a symbol of trust, indicating that a product or service adheres to Privact’s strict privacy standards, especially the local-first directive. The Foundation conducts audits to ensure that seal holders continue to comply with Privact’s principles. By choosing products and services with the Privact Seal, you can be confident that your data is handled to empower your digital self.
Ensuring User Rights Are Respected
The Foundation is committed to upholding user rights within the Privact Ecosystem. This also means that the Foundation will take appropriate legal steps on behalf of affected users if a product, service, or research organization violates their privacy. More than just a promise, Privact is the legal protection insurance for your digital self – free of charge. We stand ready to defend your rights and empower you to navigate the digital world with confidence, knowing your digital self is secure.
A Visual Guide
Want to know how the Privact Ecosystem empowers your digital self? The infographic below provides a visual overview of the relationships between users, the Foundation, products, and research. See how everything works hand in hand to ensure that your digital self remains firmly under your control. Detailed explanations will appear as you click on the different elements.
How the Privact Ecosystem Works
Your Questions, Answered
Does the Privact Foundation already exist?
Not yet. Everything discussed about the Foundation describes its future role. Currently, Privact e.V. serves as a preliminary organization to build the Privact Ecosystem and coordinate efforts to establish the Foundation. If you want to help, you’re very welcome!
What is the Privact Foundation’s main goal?
The Privact Foundation’s primary goal is to ensure that data sovereignty is not just a concept, but a reality. We’re here to protect your digital self, giving you the greatest possible control over your data.
Who will govern the Foundation?
The Foundation will be governed by a board of directors. These individuals will be responsible for setting the Foundation’s direction and overseeing its work. The board will include experts in technology, law, ethics, and non-profit management.
How will the Foundation ensure its neutrality?
The Foundation will ensure its neutrality and independence through its unchangeable statutes. It will not promote specific products or services and will not be influenced by commercial interests. The Foundation’s only focus is to advance data sovereignty and empower users to control their digital selves.
How will the Foundation be funded?
Initially, the Foundation will rely on donations, grants, and partnerships with organizations that support its mission. Once the Privact Ecosystem is established, we will charge fees to products and research organizations for certain services. We will always remain a non-profit organization and will always be free for users. The Foundation is committed to transparency and will publish regular financial reports.
How can I support the Foundation?
You can support the Foundation by donating, volunteering your time and skills, or advocating for its mission. Every contribution helps us build a more privacy-respecting digital world.
How does the Privact Foundation ensure user privacy?
The Foundation operates without needing to know your personal details. Your participation in the Privact Ecosystem is managed directly through your local Privact software, giving you the greatest possible control, free of obligations. Our protocols are designed to protect your privacy and give you full control when you want to share your data.
What role does the Foundation play in the Privact Ecosystem’s technical infrastructure?
The Foundation operates the technical infrastructure that keeps the Privact Ecosystem running smoothly. This includes servers and other resources that support data exchange, consent management, and ecosystem-wide services. We ensure this infrastructure operates reliably and securely, protecting the integrity of the Privact Ecosystem.
How does the Privact Foundation ensure products and services respect user privacy?
The Foundation acts as a legal entity, protecting user rights in their interactions with products, services, and research. We do this by establishing clear terms of service that these organizations must agree to. These terms define data usage policies and allow Privact to audit compliance. The Privact Seal shows that a product or service follows Privact’s strict privacy standards.
How does the Foundation respond to violations of Privact principles?
The Foundation takes violations of Privact principles very seriously. We have a process for investigating complaints and taking action against those who violate the terms of the Privact Ecosystem. This may include removing the Privact Seal, ending agreements, or taking legal action.
How does the Privact Foundation ensure user rights are respected within the Privact Ecosystem?
The Foundation is committed to protecting user rights within the Privact Ecosystem. This means that the Foundation will take appropriate legal steps on behalf of users if a product, service, or research organization violates our terms. Privact is like a legal protection insurance for your digital self. We’re ready to defend your rights and help you confidently navigate the digital world, knowing your digital self is secure.
What does it mean that the Privact Foundation develops the Privact Software as Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)?
By developing the Privact software as FOSS, we ensure transparency, security, and long-term sustainability. We empower the community to examine, use, improve, and share the software. This encourages collaboration and creates a trustworthy environment for everyone.
What is the Foundation’s long-term vision for the Privact Ecosystem?
The Foundation envisions a future where data sovereignty is the standard, not the exception. We aim to create a digital world where people have full control over their data, where privacy is respected, and where technology empowers, rather than exploits. The Foundation is dedicated to working towards this vision for the benefit of all.
Still have questions?
Feel free to email us anytime – we are here to help!