SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan. 31, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virtual World Computing today announced the beta release of MyData Rewards™, a browser with a built-in rewards program that compensates users for the data generated while browsing the Internet as usual. Through the MyData Rewards™ beta program, users in the United States can earn cash by granting the browser permission to monetize their anonymous behavioral data—a process that already occurs by default and without payment on all other popular browsers.

“Google and others have been making money—and a lot of it—off of people’s online data for years, and consumers aren’t seeing a penny of it. We believe the users should be the ones to benefit from the data they generate,” said Jeff Bermant, CEO and Co-Founder of Virtual World Computing. “MyData Rewards™ gives users a simple, easy-to-implement opportunity to earn real cash—not bitcoin or points or some other ethereal currency—based on the money that their data generates.“

Here’s how it works: When users sign up for MyData Rewards™, they grant the browser permission to collect data around their online browsing habits. That data is then anonymized to remove any personally identifiable information, such as names or email addresses, and sold to third parties interested in better understanding consumers’ online activities. Any time a user’s data is monetized, that user receives a portion of the revenue via cash payments through PayPal. The average individual user of MyData Rewards™ can collect 80 percent of the profits generated by their browsing activity, simply by using a browser and opting in to the same type of data collection that other browsers enable by default. Initial testing indicates that an individual user could earn hundreds of dollars per year, and a family of three could easily double or triple that amount.

To monetize the data generated by US-based MyData Rewards™ users in the beta testing phase, Virtual World Computing has partnered with mobile audience network Complementics.

"At Complementics, we work with thousands of apps to monetize anonymous user data. We're exceptionally excited about this partnership with MyData Rewards™, given the richness of data generated by browsing activity," said Walter Harrison, Co-Founder and CRO at Complementics. "MyData Rewards™ is on the cutting edge of an industry shift when it comes to working directly with users to help them find value in their data, and their ambition to develop relationships with millions of consumers for this purpose is going to be a game-changer."

“Experts agree that the value exchange in digital media is broken and needs fixing,” said Bermant. “In our view, the only way toward sustainable balance is to let consumers share directly in the profits that come from monetizing their data. MyDataRewards™ is a ground-breaking service that provides that balance in a way that generates tangible cash for the end user.” 

Users can sign up to be a MyData Rewards™ beta tester here.

About Virtual World Computing

VWC’s core business model is built on trust and responsiveness to user needs. They are the minds behind Cocoon, one of the most private and secure Web browsers available, and their current mission is to put users in control of their internet experience by allowing them to profit from the data they generate online. For more information, visit www.GetCocoon.com.

Media contact

WIT Strategy, for Virtual World Computing
Alex Wolf
awolf@witstrategy.com