Through thick and thin: data commons, community and the struggle for collective data governance

Abstract

Collective data governance mechanisms such as data commons have recently gained traction in both theoretical and policy-oriented discussions as promising alternatives to the shortcomings of individualistic data protection and data markets. Many of these approaches centre around the idea of community as the key social institution overcoming these limitations. Yet, far less attention has been paid to the meaning, features and implications that the language of community can have for data commons. This paper investigates the relationship between data commons and the community involved therein, with a focus on the kinds and features of such a community. It argues that analysing its key characteristics and moral-political affordances furnishes key implications for devising and implementing policies on collective data governance.