Should companies have to share profits with customers whose data they monetize?

As data becomes one of the most valuable resources of the digital age, a major debate emerges over whether companies should share profits with the customers whose information fuels their business models. Many tech giants, social media platforms, and online services generate revenue by collecting and monetizing user data—such as browsing habits, purchase history, and location tracking—then selling targeted advertising or analytics to third parties. While users often agree to terms of service, they typically do not receive any direct financial compensation for the value their data creates. The debate asks whether individuals should be treated as stakeholders in the data economy. Supporters argue that if companies profit from personal information, users deserve a share of the revenue—framing data as a form of digital labor or property. This could involve direct payouts, reduced service fees, or profit-sharing schemes. Critics raise concerns about feasibility, fairness, and privacy risks, warning that monetizing personal data directly could incentivize over-sharing or deepen inequality between tech-savvy and less connected users. Historically, ownership rights in information have been unclear, with laws focusing on privacy protection rather than profit distribution. New proposals (sometimes called data dividends) are gaining attention as governments and ethicists debate how to balance innovation, consumer rights, and economic justice in the digital economy.