OpenPaths
NYT Labs 2011
OpenPaths is a secure data locker for personal location information.
We inhabit a world where data are being collected about us on a massive scale. These data are being stored, analyzed, and monetized primarily by corporations — there is limited agency for the people whom the data actually represent. But individuals who generate data through their own day-to-day activities should have a right to keep a copy of that data — and the opportunity be active collaborators in the quest for solutions to important social problems in areas such as public health, genetics or urban planning.
Using the OpenPaths mobile app you can track your location, visualize where you've been, and download your data in a variety of friendly data formats. You can keep your location history to yourself, or you can share it with specific research initiatives, art projects, or educational programs as you so choose. Your data is always encrypted on the OpenPaths servers, and cannot be accessed by anyone without your express consent.
We inhabit a world where data are being collected about us on a massive scale. These data are being stored, analyzed, and monetized primarily by corporations — there is limited agency for the people whom the data actually represent. But individuals who generate data through their own day-to-day activities should have a right to keep a copy of that data — and the opportunity be active collaborators in the quest for solutions to important social problems in areas such as public health, genetics or urban planning.
Using the OpenPaths mobile app you can track your location, visualize where you've been, and download your data in a variety of friendly data formats. You can keep your location history to yourself, or you can share it with specific research initiatives, art projects, or educational programs as you so choose. Your data is always encrypted on the OpenPaths servers, and cannot be accessed by anyone without your express consent.
Concept and development
Brian House,
Jer Thorp,
Jake Porway,
Matt Boggie
Mobile development
Peter Ng,
Sagar Hatekar
Design
Alexis Lloyd
Legal support
The New York Times Company
Thanks to
Michael Zimbalist,
Mark Hansen,
NYTLabs
Writing / press