Towards an Open Web of Things

Sensors of governments, companies and citizens have been adding a lot of data in recent years to the global datasphere. Yet the vast majority of this data does not belong to its rightful owner causing privacy issues and keeping potential of the data untapped. Local authorities mainly use this data to improve monitoring of the city and to perform their daily tasks more efficiently and - often due to a lack of resources - not to develop new, innovative applications. In addition, sensor data from consumer products often does not belong to the users and remains trapped within walls of platforms. These factors cause an imbalance in online data possession and generated data remaining largely unused. However, by connecting technologies that are available today, sensor data can end up with the rightful owner. Additionally, the data can be linked and shared, which might distribute the opportunities better, so anyone can build novel applications or gain insight. If local authorities adopt the same approach, they can become more transparent and create more awareness into what is happening in their citizens’ living environment. Also, innovative solutions, build on the basis of this data, can respond to the (local) needs of people. This opinion article tries to shed light on the possibilities and challenges of an open Web of Things.