It's Time We Get Paid for Our Data

In today’s digital age, our personal data has become one of the most valuable commodities on the planet. Every click, search, like, and purchase we make online generates a trail of information that large tech companies eagerly collect, analyze, and monetize. Yet, while these corporations rake in billions from our data, the individuals producing it—us—see none of the profits. It’s time to rethink this imbalance and consider a bold idea: paying people for the data they generate. Here’s why this shift makes sense, backed by the numbers that reveal just how much tech giants are earning off our digital footprints.

The Data Goldmine

Large tech companies have built empires on the foundation of user data. In 2024, the global digital transformation market, heavily fueled by data-driven technologies, was valued at $1.07 trillion, with projections to hit $1.32 trillion in 2025 and grow at a compound annual growth rate of 27.6% through 2030. A significant chunk of this growth comes from the ability to harvest and leverage personal data for targeted advertising, product development, and AI training.

Take advertising revenue as a prime example. In 2024, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, reported annual revenue exceeding $307 billion, with the vast majority—over 80%—stemming from its advertising business, which relies heavily on user data to deliver personalized ads. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, brought in $134.9 billion in 2024, with 97% of that tied to advertising fueled by insights into our behaviors, preferences, and connections. These figures aren’t anomalies; they reflect a broader trend where data is the lifeblood of profit. The global big data market, which thrives on processing user information, reached $283.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to soar to $401.2 billion by 2028.

Meanwhile, the average person contributing this data—through social media posts, online shopping, or even smart device usage—receives no direct financial return. Companies argue that we get “free” services in exchange, but this trade-off feels increasingly lopsided when you consider the scale of their earnings versus the value we receive.

The Case for a Data Dividend

Imagine a system where individuals are compensated for the data they produce, much like workers are paid for their labor or creators for their content. This isn’t about charity; it’s about fairness. Our data isn’t just a byproduct—it’s a resource that companies actively mine, refine, and sell. If we’re the ones generating it, shouldn’t we have a stake in its value?

Here’s how it could work: Tech companies would pay users a small fee for the data they collect—say, a percentage of the revenue generated from its use. This could be distributed monthly, like a dividend, reflecting the ongoing value of our digital contributions. For instance, if a company earns $100 from ads targeted to you in a year, a 10% data dividend would put $10 back in your pocket. Scaled across millions of users, this could amount to a meaningful income stream for individuals while barely denting corporate profits.

The numbers support the feasibility. If Meta’s $130 billion in ad revenue were shared with its 3 billion monthly active users at a modest 5% rate, each user could receive roughly $2.17 per month, or $26 annually. For Alphabet, with $240 billion in ad revenue and an estimated 4 billion users across its services, a 5% dividend could yield about $3 per month per user, or $36 yearly. These amounts may seem small individually, but they add up—especially for lower-income households—and acknowledge the role we play in their success.

Beyond Fairness: Economic and Social Benefits

Paying people for their data isn’t just about equity; it could reshape the economy. In 2025, global spending on big data and analytics is projected to hit $274.3 billion, with much of that tied to consumer data. Redirecting even a fraction of this wealth back to individuals could boost disposable income, stimulate spending, and reduce inequality. It’s estimated that poor data quality costs the U.S. economy $3.1 trillion annually—imagine if some of that value were reclaimed by the people creating the data in the first place.

Moreover, a data dividend could incentivize better data practices. If companies had to pay for what they collect, they might prioritize quality over quantity, reducing invasive overreach and giving users more control. Surveys show 90% of executives believe data transparency is key to staying competitive—paying for data could align corporate interests with consumer empowerment.

The Counterargument—and Why It Falls Short

Critics might argue that paying for data would raise costs, disrupt business models, or devalue “free” services. But tech giants have shown resilience in adapting to regulation and market shifts, and their profit margins—often exceeding 20%—suggest room to absorb this change. The “free service” excuse also ignores the reality: we’re already paying with our privacy and attention. A data dividend simply makes the exchange explicit and equitable.

A Call to Action

The data economy is here to stay, and its growth shows no signs of slowing. By 2025, the world is expected to generate 181 zettabytes of data—much of it from us. It’s time we demand a share of the wealth we’re helping create. A data dividend isn’t a handout; it’s a recognition of our role as producers in a digital ecosystem that thrives on our participation. Let’s push for a future where our data doesn’t just enrich corporations—it empowers us too.