We’re excited to announce the release of our latest use case on Digital Self-Determination (DSD): Mobile Money, available for download in PDF format. This use case focuses on how DSD principles can be applied to Kenya’s mobile money sector, ensuring more transparent and user-centric data governance practices.

This publication is part of our series exploring how DSD empowers individuals and communities across diverse sectors in the digital world.

Context

Mobile money has revolutionized financial access in Kenya, especially through platforms like M-Pesa. However, while these platforms promote financial inclusion, they also raise concerns about data privacy and user autonomy. Users often lack control over how their data is handled, and the current consent practices fail to provide transparency and user agency. This use case explores how DSD principles can address these challenges, putting control back in the hands of mobile money users.

The Challenge

Mobile money users in Kenya often have little say in how their data is processed, leading to power imbalances and a lack of informed consent. Our DSD framework aims to restore user control, ensuring privacy and autonomy while fostering innovation in financial services.

Key Sections of the Use Case

Processes

  • Contextual DSD Application: Moving beyond basic consent, allowing users to actively manage their data.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Bringing together users, service providers, and regulators to ensure inclusive governance.

  • Power Imbalance: Addressing how DSD can empower users in the data ecosystem.

Policies

  • Ethical Data Management: Guidelines for transparency and user control.

  • Informed Consent: Strengthening consent practices and minimizing data usage.

  • Inclusive Practices: Ensuring equitable data governance for all users.

Tools and Solutions

  • Mobile Data Portals: User-friendly platforms for data control and portability.

  • Trusted Data Spaces: Secure environments promoting transparency and accountability.

Download the Use Case

We invite you to download the full Mobile Money Use Case to better understand how Digital Self-Determination can transform the governance of mobile money data, empower users, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive financial system.

Download the Use Case: Digital Self-Determination and Mobile Money (PDF)

Download the Full Report: Studio Full Report (PDF)

Stay tuned as we continue to release more use cases exploring how DSD can promote individual rights and data control in various sectors, ensuring a more balanced and ethical digital future.