On May 29, 2024, the International Data Spaces Association (IDSA) and Prometheus-X hosted a virtual Tech Talk to showcase advances in secure data sharing through the Prometheus-X Dataspace Connector and Dataspace Protocol. These tools, developed with the vision to reshape the management, sharing and protection of personal data across different sectors, have the potential to revolutionise the practise of data sharing in Europe. By creating a secure framework and introducing ethical approaches to data handling, these innovations aim to set new standards for transparency, trust and efficiency. 

Laying the foundation for ethical data sharing 

To open the discussion, Matthias De Bièvre gave an insight into Prometheus-X’s mission to build an interoperable data infrastructure to support education and skills development. As a non-profit organisation, Prometheus-X strives to promote open source infrastructure components that foster secure, ethical and efficient data sharing and help ensure that data flows responsibly between sectors. Currently, 19 of the 200 partner organisations are involved in this initiative, with applications spanning education, training and employment across Europe.

De Bièvre highlighted Prometheus-X’s unified governance model, centralised infrastructure and collaborative approach, which enable unified data management and policy implementation. A novel aspect within this framework is the personal data intermediary: This mechanism allows individuals to manage their data rights and consents with confidence, while data storage remains decentralised. Such a model aims to strike a balance between privacy and connectivity and give users more control over their personal data. De Bièvre also presented an overview of the infrastructure architecture and gave an insight into the technical components underpinning this transformative vision.

Educational applications and the promise of a personalised experience

A compelling application of the Prometheus-X Dataspace Connector was presented by Benjamin André, CEO of CozyCloud, in the education sector. Using the Visions dataspace, the personal education assistant aims to address the fragmentation of learning data in France, where multiple sources make it difficult for students to access a central record of their academic career. In collaboration with the French Ministry of Education, CozyCloud developed a digital space for every learner, providing students with a centralised and secure location for their data and access to personalised educational services.

The integration of AI to personalise educational content holds transformative potential for modern learning environments. Yet, its deployment across diverse student populations revealed significant challenges—most notably, securing teacher engagement to embrace this shift. André underscored the pivotal role of the Prometheus-X Dataspace Connector, built on IDSA standards, as a cornerstone of this innovation. By facilitating secure, scalable, and sovereign data sharing, it establishes a robust foundation for a resilient ecosystem, where human-centric technology enhances both accessibility and educational excellence. This infrastructure empowers the Education Assistant to deliver tailored, reliable solutions for modernising education, all while upholding stringent data privacy standards.

Integrating solid standards for improved data management

The session continued with a focus on integrating solid standards that improve personal data management in data spaces. Led by Tom Bergmans from IMEC, this segment demonstrated how the Dataspace protocol combined with solid standards via the Prometheus-X Dataspace Connector gives individuals granular control over their data permissions. In this way, users can decide who can access their data, whether it comes from a portable device or a government source, creating an ecosystem of trust and transparency.

Bergmans emphasised how this approach fosters a paradigm shift towards user-controlled data management, empowering individuals to take full ownership of their personal data. Using a practical example from the media sector, he demonstrated a vision of data sharing where control is decentralised, yet connections remain strong and reliable.

Media data spaces: Trust and personalisation in content sharing

Expanding on the Solid standards integration, Sylvain Le Bon of Startin’blox and TEMS presented the Trusted European Media Data Space (TEMS). This project addresses the need for tailored media content while preserving user trust and privacy. By incorporating the Dataspace Protocol and Prometheus-X Dataspace Connector, TEMS allows users to choose how and with whom they share their data, enabling personalised content recommendations from trusted organisations.

TEMS demonstrates how Solid standards can be applied within a controlled data ecosystem, offering a practical example of transparent data management. Users gain clear insight into where and how their personal information is used, fostering a balanced and trustworthy relationship between content providers and consumers.

Technical insights into the Prometheus-X dataspace connector

Wrapping up the event, Félix Bole, CTO of Visions, illuminated the transformative potential of the Prometheus-X Dataspace Connector. This connector plays an essential role in facilitating interoperability between data spaces, adhering to Gaia-X and IDSA standards, and creating a coherent ecosystem of interconnected data networks. Bole explained how the connector integrates essential components—consent services, identity frameworks, contracts, and data catalogues – each designed to optimise data transactions and usage.

One of the key aspects of Bole’s presentation was the data catalogue service, which supports participants by establishing reference models for use case roles, economic structures, and data usage policies. Bole emphasised the connector’s role in aligning data exchanges with regulatory frameworks, making it a powerful tool for compliance and privacy assurance. The integration of personal data intermediaries further strengthens this approach, as it allows individuals to actively manage their data permissions, reinforcing trust in data-sharing processes.

A vision of emerging frameworks for data sovereignty

The IDSA Tech Talk highlighted how the Prometheus-X Dataspace Connector and Dataspace Protocol are paving the way towards responsible, scalable data ecosystems. These solutions empower organisations to effectively address data privacy challenges while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The insights shared during this session point to a future where secure, ethical, and innovative data sharing will be a standard practice soon. As we continue to build on these advancements, the foundation for a more interconnected and trustworthy data landscape is firmly established, promising greater opportunities for collaboration and growth.

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