Name: Tim Berners-Lee is trying to fix the web he invented with startup trying to let you control your data
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Tim Berners-Lee is trying to fix the web he invented with startup trying to let you control your data

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CNET también está disponible en español.Don't show this againInrupt wants you to control who can see your data.If you want to wrestle control of your personal data from companies, governments, hospitals and other organizations, a could be an ally. The company's idea: store your personal information separately and share only what's necessary with services only when you're accessing them.Inrupt calls these data collections "pods," and they can be accessed using the company's . You could store fitness data, for example, then share it when your doctor's Solid app requested access. Or you could store your photos in a pod, pay one Solid app provider to pick your best shots, then pay another to print them.&nbsp;For more like thisSubscribe to the newsletter, receive notifications and see related stories on CNET.A big name behind is , who invented the world wide web. Berners-Lee, who serves as chief technology officer, co-founded the company with Chief Executive John Bruce. Inrupt has been testing its service with the BBC, NatWest Bank and the National Health Service in the UK, and with the in recent months. On Monday, the company made its , the infrastructure that supports the service, available to any interested customer."The technologies we're releasing today are a component of a much-needed ," Berners-Lee said in a statement. "Ultimately, this new foundation of trust and cooperation will lead to entirely new business models that actually benefit users as well."Widespread adoption of Inrupt -- if it succeeds -- could mark a turning point for the internet, prompting a move away from apps and services that harvest your data in order to serve personalized ads. The flip side is that many services that are now free to use, like web based email, could end up charging customers fees.Inrupt's launch comes as becomes a bigger concern in the tech industry, whose reputation has suffered with high-profile scandals like Facebook's Cambridge Analytica affair. Legislation including and the could tilt the balance toward privacy -- and Inrupt business success.Berners-Lee also is chairman of the standards group, but Inrupt CTO is his primary, full-time job, Bruce told CNET.Challenges for Solid and Inrupt include attracting a critical mass of people, businesses and other organizations to embrace it; making it easy enough to use that its benefits outweigh the hassles; and ensuring it . To help address this last concern, , a well-regarded computer expert, as chief of security architecture.The Solid technology is based on web standards, so people can use it through a web browser.Inrupt investors include , , and .CloseSign in to commentBe respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate , which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.

CNET también está disponible en español.Don't show this againInrupt wants you to control who can see your data.If you want to wrestle control of your personal data from companies, governments, hospitals and other organizations, a could be an ally. The company's idea: store your personal information separately and share only what's necessary with services only when you're accessing them.Inrupt calls these data collections "pods," and they can be accessed using the company's . You could store fitness data, for example, then share it when your doctor's Solid app requested access. Or you could...

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Stephen Shankland

CNET, formerly Computer Network, is an American media website that publishes reviews, news, articles, blogs, podcasts, and videos on technology and consumer electronics globally. Founded in 1994 by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie, it was the flagship brand of CNET Networks and became a brand of CBS Interactive through CNET Networks' acquisition in 2008.

Tim Berners-Lee is trying to fix the web he invented with startup trying to let you control your data

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