Continental and HP launch blockchain-based data monetization platform

The technology company Continental and Hewlett Packard Enterprise announced a new platform, expected to be available in 2019, for sharing vehicle data to enable new digital services that improve driver safety and convenience.

At the same time the platform will help car manufacturers monetize their data and differentiate their brands. Based on blockchain technology, the platform provides data sovereignty, security, transparency, and efficiency to overcome the barriers of sharing vehicle data.

In the case of connected and autonomous vehicles, data sharing across automotive brands is key to providing driver-assistance services that help drivers avoid traffic hazards and find the most convenient, practical and efficient travel routes – for example real-time traffic warnings and locating available parking.

HPE and Continental’s platform leverages a decentralized architecture based on blockchain technologies. Participants, such as car manufacturers, continue storing the data in their own data centers and only share specific data sets upon purchase directly with the buyer. This approach gives data sovereignty to all participants in the ecosystem, while at the same time providing a highly efficient and secure procedure for monetizing vehicle data.

“Sharing vehicle data across vendors can solve some of the toughest traffic problems and improve driver experience by leveraging the power of swarm intelligence,” said Phil Davis, President Hybrid IT, Chief Sales Officer, HPE. “Together with Continental, we provide the key to unlock the value of this data treasure, not by taking control of the data ourselves, but by giving control to the drivers and car manufacturers.”

The data-monetization platform will enable car manufacturers and other partners to trade data with each other – either to improve digital services for their customers or to monetize vehicle data. However, trading is only feasible upon a driver’s consent. Therefore, the platform will integrate a consent management system and provide an easy to use opt-in and opt-out system for drivers. HPE and Continental take data privacy seriously to be compliant with GDPR and data protection regulations in other countries.

As part of a strategic partnership between HPE and Continental, the new platform was jointly designed by HPE Pointnext and Continental’s Interior division and is expected to be available in 2019.