The sense of smell helped early humans to survive. But now that our hunting and gathering has moved to the digital environment, our noses can no longer warn us of the lurking dangers in the online wilderness.
The Smell of Data is a new scent created to instinctively alert internet users of data leaks on personal devices. Smell of Data got rewarded at Science Hack Day 2016 for Most innovative project.

“Client info of T-mobile customers on the streets”, “Ashley Madison leaks personal details of 37m users”, “health care high on the list of leaking data.”

When data leaks reach the news it is mostly about incidents of bigger institutions or companies leaking clients. But those are not the only data leaks that need attention. The biggest data leakers are we, ourselves. When we are using the internet in a ‘normal’ way we are constantly giving away bits of data with every movement and click. At home, at work, when commuting, while working out. Everywhere and all the time. 

With the project The Smell of Data we want to make internet users aware of their own personal data leaks. When do we fail most in protecting our own privacy and what are the risks?

Website: https://smellofdata.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/smellofdata

Blogpost + Interview Next Nature:
https://www.nextnature.net/2016/09/preventing-data-leaks-smell
https://www.nextnature.net/2016/09/interview-leanne-wijnsma

http://www.dezeen.com/2016/10/12/smell-data-design-scent-alert-internet-users-security-leaks-technology-leanne-wijnsma/#more-986493

The Smell of Data: What is your experience with data leaks?