Better Deal For Data - Practical Data Governance from Tech Matters

Data is critical to social impact. Yet data in the social sector is often locked in silos, leading to a fragmented understanding of complex systems. Many nonprofits collect data from vulnerable people about that which makes them vulnerable–sensitive data which should not be made open. Data now used for major AI models lacks representation of humanity’s diversity, and benefits only a few. And individuals and communities have lost trust in how their data is being used, creating barriers to data collection. Better Deal for Data seeks to change this.
We have now launched the BD4D Standard, a straightforward framework for responsible data stewardship that centers the interests of the communities nonprofits serve, rather than the profit focus of traditional tech companies. Developed in consultation with nonprofit data leaders and practitioners around the globe, it is supported by the BD4D Playbook, a resource for organizations who are ready to implement the BD4D Commitments in their practices of collecting, using, and sharing data.
With broad adoption, data aligned with the Better Deal will become sharable across socially responsible organizations everywhere – unlocking the data’s potential for societal benefit.
To learn more about Better Deal for Data, and how your organization can become a BD4D Adopter, visit the BD4D website:
Jim starts his ICT4D session by discussing his introduction to data colonialism and then solutions developed in the nonprofit sector.
As well as launching the adoption-ready BD4D Standard, we’ve released the BD4D Playbook to assist organizations in adopting the Standard.
Discussions at the Society for Range Management taught us that people who depend on rangelands need a Better Deal for Data.
We declared our alignment with the Better Deal for Data directly at the beginning of the new Terraso Terms of Service.
Recording of The Future of Data panel discussion with Project Liberty, Future House, World Economic Forum, Davos 2025.
Katy McKinney-Bock’s “Research Year in Review” covers her research reports on data governance and thoughts on better uses of data.
Data isn’t just information on paper or screen—it represents landscapes, communities, and human lives. It is integral to not just surviving but thriving.
During this Project Alliance Liberty monthly virtual pop-up, Jim Fruchterman kicks-off with a presentation on A Better Deal for Data.
We have been gratified by the reaction to our initial white paper proposing a Better Deal for Data and a new data governance movement.
Better Deal for Data is an alternative approach to data collection, use, and governance – ethically benefitting all people and planet.
Tech Matters, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, creates and launches new tech for good platforms in partnership with entire fields in the nonprofit and social good sector.
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