The iExec DataProtector V2 vs V1-What’s spectacular about this latest “Monetize” Version?

The DataProtector is one of the most phenomenal iExec products, and given its use cases, widespread adoption looks inevitable. iExec recently launched an upgraded version (V2) of this developer tool tagged “The Monetize Version,” and this article aims to point out the peculiarities of this upgrade, including what makes it distinct from the V1 version.

The everyday Web2 is marked by a centralized approach to data management and usage, where companies collect our data largely without our consent and most times for free, and decide how it is used. However, with the transition from Web2 to Web3, data management and ownership are undergoing a significant shift to being more user-centric.

But then, there is a gap— even though blockchain technology has laid the foundation for giving back power to users over the use of their data, the tools to actualize this are lacking or better still, inadequate. Due to this, the concept of data ownership in Web3 is starting to look like a myth.

The iExec DataProtector was built to bridge this gap. It is one of the three iExec developer tools specifically tailored to data management and monetization in Web3. Just like a two-edged sword, it is designed to empower both developers and users. When integrated into applications, it allows developers to utilize users’ data without the data itself being revealed to them. For the users, it gives them autonomous ownership and control of their data, where they can solely grant or revoke access, and determine how it is used, where it is used, who uses it and what it is used for. Amazing, right?

Okay, lets move, V2 vs V1- what is spectacular?

Both the DataProtector V2 and V1 integrate the “DataProtectorCore” framework with three different approaches to data management:

• ensures privacy and confidentiality by end-to-end encryption of data with access fully controlled by the owner of the data
• leverages decentralized confidential computing (DeCC) to ensure that only apps authorized by users have access to their data
• integrates smart contracts, which manage permissions given by users for the use of their encrypted data

As an upgrade, the DataProtector V2 integrates an additional framework — “the DataProtectorSharing module," and this is exactly what makes it spectacular. While V1 focused on the core basics — privacy protection and access control, V2 additionally allows secure distribution and monetization of data.

As a user, it means you will not only be able to grant or revoke access to your encrypted data; you can also choose to share it with a wider audience and monetize it. And this is precisely why the DataProtectorV2 is tagged “The Monetize Version”

As a developer, it means you will not only be able to integrate privacy-enhancing features into DApps, you can also add secure data sharing and monetization systems to such applications.

Now, what are the sharing and monetization options available with DataProtectorV2?

• Secure Sharing : Choosing this option means you get to share and distribute your protected data freely without any monetary exchange.
• Renting : You can choose to rent out your data for a specific duration and at a named price while you still maintain ownership.
• Selling: When you choose this option, you will be agreeing to transfer your data ownership securely at a specified price.
• Subscription Bundles: This option seamlessly allows you to brand your data into subscription bundles at a specified price and duration, allowing consumers to renew their subscriptions from time to time while you still retain ownership.

Smart contracts automate the entire data sharing and monetization process, so data owners do not even need to know consumers’ Ethereum addresses or sign any transaction for distribution.

Want to experience the iExec DataProtector in live action? Check out and test the Content Creator Demo App, a prototype built for content creators with the DataProtector-Monetize Version, for seamless sharing and monetization of content.

For more information about the DataProtector-Monetize Version, check out the tool documentation.

Also check out the GitHub repository for the SDK.