Table of contents
- Why sharing data feels risky (and why it shouldn’t)
- What data altruism is and why it concerns everyone
- Data altruism, the Data Governance Act, and the European regulatory framework
- Data altruism: voluntariness, trust, and public interest
- Which categories of data can be shared
- Data altruism and the public sector: a new collaboration model
- Conflicts of interest and governance safeguards
- Data for the common good: real-world examples
- European data and the common data space
- Why data altruism is a solution, not a risk
Why sharing data feels risky (and why it shouldn’t)
Have you ever wondered what happens to your data once it has been collected?
Have you ever had the feeling that data sharing mainly benefits someone else often large digital platforms—and rarely individuals or society as a whole?
Or have you asked yourself whether there is a way to use your own data in an ethical, secure, and useful manner, without giving up on personal data protection?
These are not theoretical questions. They are real issues faced every day by companies, public bodies, professionals, and citizens in the digital economy. On one side, there is an enormous amount of data that could improve scientific research, healthcare, mobility, environmental sustainability, and public services. On the other side, there is widespread distrust: who uses this data? For what purposes? And under which safeguards?
It is precisely within this space of uncertainty that data altruism emerges. Also known as data altruism, it is a European model designed to transform data sharing from a perceived risk into a concrete opportunity for the common good, placing transparency, voluntariness, and governance at its core.
This article aims to explain what data altruism is, why it was introduced by the European Union, how it works under the Data Governance Act, and how it can become a practical solution not just a slogan for building trust, value, and responsible innovation.
What data altruism is and why it concerns everyone
When we talk about what data altruism is, we refer to a simple yet transformative concept: the voluntary sharing of data by natural or legal persons for purposes of general interest, without profit motives.
In other words, data altruism is the act by which an individual or organization decides to make their own data available so that it can be used as data for the common good—for medical research, public policies, environmental protection, social innovation, security, or urban planning.
The fundamental difference compared to traditional data collection models is that:
- data sharing is informed and voluntary
- the use of such data is limited to public-interest purposes
- clear rules exist to prevent conflicts of interest
- governance is defined at the European level
This is not about “giving data away,” but about data reuse within a clear, controlled, and public-value-oriented regulatory framework.
Data altruism, the Data Governance Act, and the European regulatory framework
Data altruism under the Data Governance Act is not an isolated initiative but an integral part of the European data strategy. The main regulatory reference is the Data Governance Act (DGA), a regulation adopted to facilitate the secure circulation of data within the European Union.
The Data Governance Act establishes a legal framework governing:
- the reuse of public sector data
- data intermediation services
- data altruism
The role of the European Commission is central: it defines criteria, registers, and oversight mechanisms to ensure that entities operating in data altruism comply with high standards of reliability and transparency across all Member States.
The ultimate goal is to create a genuine European common data space, often referred to as the European data space, where data can circulate securely between public and private actors.
Data altruism: voluntariness, trust, and public interest
One of the most important aspects of data altruism is voluntary participation. No one is forced to share data. This principle is essential for building trust.
Voluntariness implies:
- awareness of the purpose
- transparency regarding how the data will be used
- the possibility to withdraw consent
The ultimate objective must always be public interest, not direct profit. This clearly distinguishes data altruism from many opaque practices in today’s digital economy, where data is often exploited without real control by the data subjects.
Which categories of data can be shared
Within the context of data altruism, different categories of data may be involved, including:
- personal data (in compliance with the GDPR)
- anonymized health data
- environmental data
- mobility data
- energy data
- research data
- data generated by IoT devices
Personal data protection remains a central pillar. Even when discussing data-sharing services, processing must comply with existing regulations, with particular attention to data minimization, anonymization, and security.
Data altruism and the public sector: a new collaboration model
The public sector plays a strategic role in data altruism. Many public datasets are currently underused or locked behind legal, technical, or organizational barriers.
Thanks to the Data Governance Act, the reuse of public data can take place in a more structured manner, creating value for:
- evidence-based public policies
- urban and territorial planning
- healthcare and prevention
- security and resilience
In this context, data altruism becomes a bridge between citizens, businesses, and institutions.
Conflicts of interest and governance safeguards
One of the most common concerns relates to conflicts of interest: what happens if those managing data use it for purposes other than those declared?
The European model addresses this issue directly through:
- separation between data collection and data use
- transparency obligations
- official registers of data altruism organizations
- monitoring mechanisms and sanctions
These safeguards are essential to make data altruism credible and sustainable over time.
Data for the common good: real-world examples
Talking about data for the common good is not mere rhetoric. Concrete examples already exist:
- sharing health data for research on rare diseases
- environmental data to monitor pollution
- mobility data to reduce traffic and emissions
- energy data to optimize consumption
In all these cases, the use of such data generates collective benefits that would be difficult to achieve without a cooperative approach.
European data and the common data space
The concept of European data fits into the broader vision of a European common data space, where interoperability, security, and trust are key elements.
Data altruism contributes to this ecosystem by fostering:
- interoperability among Member States
- common standards
- growth of European innovation
This strengthens Europe’s digital sovereignty and reduces dependence on non-European data models.
Why data altruism is a solution, not a risk
When discussing data altruism, one of the most common reactions is skepticism. Sharing data even for noble purposes is often perceived as risky: loss of control, potential misuse, or improper handling of information. In reality, when properly designed and governed, data altruism represents one of the most concrete and mature responses to the structural challenges of today’s digital economy.
The first issue it addresses is the lack of trust in data management. Many individuals and organizations know that data has value, but they do not know who actually uses it, for what purposes, and under which guarantees. The data altruism model reverses this logic: data sharing is neither opaque nor forced, but voluntary, traceable, and tied to clearly defined public-interest objectives. This strengthens trust by making rules, roles, and responsibilities visible.
A second critical challenge is regulatory fragmentation. In the absence of a common framework, organizations often act in isolation, frequently renouncing data reuse for fear of violating regulations or incurring sanctions. Embedded within a regulated European framework, data altruism provides a clear operational perimeter, reducing uncertainty and encouraging standardized practices.
Finally, data altruism addresses the difficulty of accessing data for research and innovation. Many socially or scientifically valuable projects fail not because of a lack of expertise, but due to the absence of reliable data. Making such data securely available accelerates research, experimentation, and the development of services that benefit society as a whole.
For these reasons, data altruism is not a utopia but a concrete solution. It requires skills, robust governance structures, and a strong sense of responsibility, but in return it enables a fairer, more transparent, and common-good-oriented use of data.
Frequently asked questions
- What is data altruism in simple terms?
It is the voluntary sharing of data for public-interest purposes. - Is data altruism mandatory?
No, it is always based on voluntariness. - What is the link with the Data Governance Act?
The DGA provides the legal framework governing data altruism. - Who ensures compliance with the rules?
Competent authorities in the Member States, coordinated at EU level. - Are personal data protected?
Yes, personal data protection remains a core principle. - Can companies participate in data altruism?
Yes, both natural and legal persons can take part. - Are there risks of misuse?
Safeguards are in place to prevent conflicts of interest. - Which data can be shared?
Different categories of data, in compliance with regulations. - Does data altruism generate profit?
No, it is oriented toward the common good, not profit. - How can a data altruism project be started?
Through a governance assessment and specialized consultancy.
