The Next Wave of Data Portability

When users have the ability to transfer their personal data from one service to another—known as data portability—it can empower consumers, spur innovation, and increase competition. A number of sectors, including energy, health care, and financial services, have begun to adopt data portability policies, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges involved in giving consumers more control over their data. As policymakers at the state and federal level consider new data portability laws and regulations, how should they balance competing interests from different stakeholders while also protecting consumer privacy and security?

ITIF's Center for Data Innovation hosted a discussion about the ways lawmakers and regulators can optimize data portability provisions, avoid pitfalls, and foster a new wave of data-driven innovation.