Yesterday, I got my first internship interview experience, which was at a data economy company. Most of the interview meeting was actually the interviewer explaining the business model, as many of it was new to me. Here is what I understood from the meeting:
Put simply, the company aims to give people ownership of their data. Every decision you make—what you buy, your daily routine, and even the small details you overlook—holds value for businesses. How much? According to data rights activist Brittany Kaiser, an individual’s data is worth approximately $48 to Facebook every three months. The problem, as the company sees it, is that consumers are largely kept in the dark about this value. To address this, they have developed software, and part of it is designed to help users value their data, much like how credit cards work. With this tool, users gain full control over their data and can receive fair compensation for the information they share.
During the meeting, I also learned about the Cloud Channel, which is a key concept that is related to data economy. When I got home, I researched some more about it and here is what I learned:
Imagine you want to use cloud services like storing files online, running software without installing it, or hosting a website. Instead of going directly to big companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud, you might work with a middleman who helps set everything up for you. This is where the cloud channel comes in. A cloud channel is a network of companies that help businesses and individuals use cloud services. Instead of dealing directly with a large cloud provider, you can work with a company that makes the process easier, offering advice, support, and additional services.
For example, Imagine you run a small online store and need a website that loads fast, stores customer data, and is always online. Instead of setting everything up yourself, you hire a cloud reseller who sets up your website on a cloud platform, manages security, and ensures everything runs smoothly. You pay them for this service, and they handle the technical details for you.
The cloud channel concept relates to the company because both focus on empowering users by giving them more control over digital assets.
Another important concept that I learned is Cybernetics, which is the study of systems, feedback, and control in machines, organisms, and organizations. It examines how information is transmitted and how systems regulate themselves through feedback loops to maintain stability and adapt to changes. Gregory Bateson was an anthropologist, meaning he studied human societies and cultures, and he was a key contributor to Cybernetics. His work emphasized the role of communication, learning, and adaptation in both biological and social systems. He explored how patterns of interaction—whether in ecosystems, human relationships, or artificial intelligence—are shaped by feedback mechanisms, ultimately influencing decision-making and behavior. These behaviors are a great example of data, data that has value.