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 brings together expertise in research, policy and education to advance a more human data economy, while providing independent governance and stewardship of the open-source HAT® micro-server technology and the data exchange networks built upon it.
Governance & Stewardship
We act as Constitutional Guardian of networks operating wallets based on HAT® micro-server technologies.
This role provides independent, regulatory-like oversight of the implementation and operation of governed data networks, assuring data subjects and Wallet Users that these networks operate in accordance with the original HAT Principles established by the six UK universities behind the Hub-of-All-Things (HAT) research project. These principles are designed to safeguard their data rights, sovereignty and agency.
Where wallets operate within a data trust, HCF also serves as Protector of the Wallet Trust Deed, providing independent oversight of the trust arrangements governing Wallet Operators and Network Owners.
HCF further acts as Guardian Shareholder of Network Owners, ensuring that its constitutional guardianship obligations are passed down to Network Licensees as a fundamental condition of licensing. This ensures that the licensing and operation of wallet networks serve, first and foremost, 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 to shape the institutions and market structures needed for a more human data economy.
Its research and development activities support the community-led advancement of open-source HAT® micro-server technologies and their application in real-world, human-centric data exchange networks that create economic and social value.
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.
