Why It Matters
Data is power. When platforms control user data, they control users. Data sovereignty means users maintain control—where it’s stored, who can access it, and how it’s used. This is especially critical for public sector organizations that have legal mandates around digital sovereignty.
Core Principle
User data belongs to users. Design systems where data ownership is explicit, geographic boundaries are respected, and commercial data exploitation is not an option.
Examples in Practice
- Data is hosted in Europe, respecting regional governance
- Users are not the product—no data harvesting for advertising or profit
- Clear data ownership and access controls
- Support for organizations with digital sovereignty mandates
Guiding Questions for Decisions
- Who owns the data created in this feature?
- Could this design enable data exploitation?
- Does this respect user and organizational data sovereignty?