A new technical standard, known as vCon (Virtual Conversation), is being developed within the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). vCon defines a structured, privacy-aware format for capturing, storing, exchanging, and analysing conversational data.

Our data shapes thousands of buying decisions every year — yet today, it mostly works against you. With AI, fiduciary agents, and MyTerms, individuals can finally put their data to work on their own terms. This article explores why that shift will redefine marketing, trust, and digital power.

For 25 years we’ve accepted a one-way model: visit a site, sign up, give away data, live inside their silo. DataPal argues that this is no longer the only way—or the best way. A new paradigm is emerging where individuals hold their own data, control who accesses it, and benefit from richer, safer and more seamless digital experiences. Using simple examples like Travel Log, we show how interoperable, user-controlled data unlocks better apps, lower compliance burdens and entirely new possibilities.

CRM, or Customer Relationship Management emerged as a software solution and business definition when new technical capabilities emerged. The new possibility that emerged (in 1995 or so) was that three main business functions (marketing, selling and customer service) could be underpinned by a single database; the mythical ‘single view of the customer’.