FAQ

Common questions related to Oz

What is Oz?

Oz is a modular data collection protocol that incentivizes open sharing of specialized data using Sense Agents. Our mission is to enable universal access to private data to disrupt the covert data collection tactics used by big tech.

What is a Sense Agent?

Sense Agents are integrations into smart devices or applications. They standardize data into a single consistent format and share it with data buyers.

Is IoT data actually valuable?

The value of data depends on both the supply and demand side. Some datasets, such as those from your smart home, connected cameras, and medical devices has incredible value for researchers and developers. The prices for these datasets are publicly listed on many data marketplaces, and often exceed $50,000. You can see for yourself on open data marketplaces like Datarade.

How is Data Quality Maintained?

Oz employs multiple strategies to ensure only high-quality data is shared with the protocol. First, data can only be sent by registered collectors. Collectors structure the data, ensuring consistent formatting. Second, the protocol maintains a reputation score for each entity that submits data. Reputation can be improved by associating accounts (ie. proof of personhood), by sharing data consistently over time, and by receiving positive ratings by data consumers.