💰 Monetize Protected Data

Your protected data can generate revenue automatically.

iExec offers two fundamental approaches for monetizing your data:

• DataProtector Core: Signed orders with pay-per-use counting - specify exact conditions, users pay for each individual data processing
• DataProtector Sharing: Time-based access with period payments - users pay for unlimited access during specific time periods

📝 Signed Orders (DataProtector Core)

How it works: You create and publish signed orders that specify the exact conditions for accessing your protected data. Each order defines:

• Authorized App: Which iApp can process your data
• Authorized User: Who can access your data (specific address or any user)
• Price per Access: Cost for each individual use
• Number of Access: Maximum times the data can be used
• Usage Counting: Each data processing decrements the available access count

// Create a signed order with specific conditions
const grantedAccess = await dataProtectorCore.grantAccess({
  protectedData: '0x123abc...', // Your data address
  authorizedApp: 'email-processor.apps.iexec.eth', // Specific iApp only
  authorizedUser: '0x456def...', // Specific user only
  pricePerAccess: 5000000000, // 5 RLC per individual use
  numberOfAccess: 100, // Maximum 100 total uses
});

console.log('Signed order created:', grantedAccess);

Perfect for:

• Direct partnerships with known clients
• Precise control over access conditions
• Simple setup with specific partners
• Exact counting of data usage

📅 Time-Based Access Implementation (DataProtector Sharing)

How it works: Instead of counting individual uses, DataProtector Sharing provides time-based access periods. Users purchase access for specific durations (hours, days, months) and can use your protected data unlimited times during that period. Smart contracts handle all distribution automatically.

Key Innovation: Shift from usage counting to time-based access - users buy access time, not individual transactions.

Access Models Available:

• Rental: Pay once to access to individual protected data (not all the collection)
• Subscription: Recurring payments for ongoing access
• Sale: Permanent ownership transfer

See It Live

The Content Creator demo shows DataProtector Sharing in action with file monetization. While it uses the content-delivery iApp for file streaming, the same patterns work for any iApp - AI models, data processing, oracles, etc.

Step 1: Create a Collection

// Create a collection to group your data and provide
// a set of protectedData available for the subscription.
const collection = await dataProtectorSharing.createCollection();
console.log('Collection address:', collection.collectionId);

// Add your protected data to the collection
await dataProtectorSharing.addToCollection({
  protectedData: '0x123abc...', // Your protected data address
  collectionId: collection.collectionId,
  addOnlyAppWhitelist: '0x256bcd881c33bdf9df952f2a0148f27d439f2e64', // iExec apps whitelist
});

Step 2: Choose your Distribution Model

DataProtector Sharing offers three distribution models:

Time-Based Rental Model

Users pay once for unlimited access during a specific time period (not per use). For a specific protectedData of the created collection :

// DATA OWNER: Set up time-based rental terms
await dataProtectorSharing.setProtectedDataToRenting({
  protectedData: '0x123abc...',
  price: 5000000000, // 5 RLC for the entire period
  duration: 604800, // 7 days of unlimited access
});

// CLIENT/SUBSCRIBER: Rent access for the full time period
const rental = await dataProtectorSharing.rentProtectedData({
  protectedData: '0x123abc...',
  price: 5000000000, // One payment for full period
  duration: 604800, // Unlimited use for 7 days
});

Perfect for:

• Time-sensitive datasets (event data, seasonal trends)
• Expensive datasets where users need intensive short-term access
• Content that loses value over time
• Users who need to run multiple analyses during a period

Time-Based Subscription Model

Users pay for recurring time-based access to a bundle of data. Unlimited usage during each subscription period.

// DATA OWNER: Set time-based subscription parameters
await dataProtectorSharing.setSubscriptionParams({
  collectionId: collection.collectionId,
  price: 20000000000, // 20 RLC per 30-day period
  duration: 2592000, // 30 days unlimited access
});

// DATA OWNER: Add protected data to the time-based subscription bundle
await dataProtectorSharing.setProtectedDataToSubscription({
  protectedData: '0x123abc...',
});

// DATA OWNER: Add more data to the same subscription
await dataProtectorSharing.setProtectedDataToSubscription({
  protectedData: '0x456def...', // Additional dataset
});

// CLIENT/SUBSCRIBER: Get time-based subscription access
const subscription = await dataProtectorSharing.subscribeToCollection({
  collectionId: collection.collectionId,
  price: 20000000000, // Pay for full period
  duration: 2592000, // 30 days unlimited usage
});

Perfect for:

• Growing datasets (daily market data, news feeds)
• Educational content series
• Research datasets that expand over time
• SaaS-style data access

Sale Model

Transfer permanent ownership of your data to the buyer.

// DATA OWNER: List data for sale
await dataProtectorSharing.setProtectedDataForSale({
  protectedData: '0x123abc...',
  price: 100000000000, // 100 RLC purchase price
});

// CLIENT/BUYER: Purchase ownership
const purchase = await dataProtectorSharing.buyProtectedData({
  protectedData: '0x123abc...',
  price: 100000000000,
});

Perfect for:

• Unique datasets or models
• Digital assets and NFT data
• One-time valuable insights
• When you want to exit data ownership

Which Approach to Choose?

Signed Orders (Core)	Time-Based Access (Sharing)
Usage counting & pay-per-use	Time periods & unlimited usage
Direct signed orders	Smart contract automation
High control, simple setup	Medium control, flexible models

Choose Signed Orders when: You need precise control, direct partnerships, and usage-based billing.

Choose Time-Based Access when: You want automated distribution, unlimited usage periods, and flexible pricing models.

Next Steps

Ready to start monetizing your data? Here are your next steps:

• See it in action: Try the Content Creator demo to understand the full flow
• Start simple: Begin with pay-per-use via grantAccess
• Explore sharing: Try DataProtector Sharing for automated distribution
• Build collections: Learn about collection management
• Set up subscriptions: Implement recurring revenue models