> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://data-and-pass.gitbook.io/whitepaper/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://data-and-pass.gitbook.io/whitepaper/introduction.md).

# Introduction

Data marketplaces are platforms that allow people to securely share and sell their data assets. These platforms aim to create a decentralized data economy using blockchain technology.

<figure><img src="https://1170134642-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F9s93QV9h3SNhqPUxVTza%2Fuploads%2Fddimgyy2UIltJ7vIZXU0%2FDefault_data_marketplace_roadmap_0%20(1).jpg?alt=media&amp;token=6325f0ae-aae9-45ea-bea2-b27701f0b53a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## **What is a Data Marketplace?**

Data marketplaces are online platforms where various types of data can be bought and sold. This data can include the following:

**Personal data:** Information such as names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.&#x20;

**Business data:** Information such as sales figures, customer information and marketing data.&#x20;

**IoT data:** Data collected from smart devices and sensors.&#x20;

**Research data:** Data from academic research.

Data marketplaces are offered as a way to provide data to people who need it and as a way for data owners to monetize their data.