We safeguard the institutions, rights and trust that make the human data economy possible.
About Us
We are an independent non-profit foundation advancing data rights, sovereignty and agency in the digital economy.
Our community coordinates work on research, policy and education for a more human data economy whilst providing independent governance and stewardship of the open-source HAT® micro-server and data exchange networks based on these technologies.
Governance & Stewardship
We act as “constitutional guardian” for data networks with wallets based on HAT® micro-server technologies.
This takes the form of regulatory-like oversight over the implementation and operation of governed data networks to provide data subjects and Wallet Users assurance the networks are operated in accordance with the “HAT Principles” safeguarding their data rights, sovereignty, and agency.
In this role, and where Wallets are operated within a data trust, HCF acts as Protector of the Wallet Trust Deed, providing independent oversight of the trust arrangements governing Wallet Operators and Network Licensees.
HCF also acts as Guardian Shareholder of Network Licensors who flow down HCF’s constitutional guardianship to Licensees as a key license condition. This ensures that in licensing data and wallet networks Licensors serve first the “public interest” of data subjects.
Research, Policy & Learning
We advance research, policy and education on data rights, sovereignty, agency and the digital economy through HATLAB Studio.
The studio connects new thinking with real-world experimentation, helping develop the institutions and market structures needed for a more human data economy.
Research and development inform community development of the HAT® micro-server technologies and their application into real-world, human-centric, value-generating, data exchange networks.
Join the HAT Community Foundation
Become part of a community advancing data rights, sovereignty and agency in the digital economy.
HCF membership is for individuals and organisations interested in the economic value of sovereign data, helping to shape policy and development of data-driven markets, businesses, digital assets and solutions built on HAT® micro-server technologies.
Access HATLAB Studio's research, academic papers, policy briefs, thought leadership and knowledge repository.
Participate in Studio activities, member events and opportunities to connect with researchers, policymakers, practitioners and innovators.
