The polyPod

Say it fast three times!

Funny names aside, the polyPod enables you to track and securely store all of your data. Finally, you're in charge!

  • See who knows about you.
  • Determine who can access your data.
  • Delete the data you don't want anyone to see.
  • Share in the profits.

Why a polyPod? Because we want you to see what happens to your data!

We have researched how PayPal handles data collection. They're one of the few companies that offer any transparency in this process.

They are but one among many, although most large companies operate the same way, and as opaquely as possible.

Figure 1 is the first of three images of the company PayPal and its handling of user data: At the very top there is a person icon with the title "User", below it, an arrow points directly to the figure below with the title "119 data types": a light blue circular graphic that consists of many small azure blue dots of different sizes in it. These dots represent the different data types collected by PayPal. One of these dots has the label "telephone number", which is one of many data types that PayPal stores. At the lower edge of the light blue circle is a downward arrow pointing to the next graphic below.
With just one click you pay way more than you should!

You don't just pay with your money. You pay with your data. You pay with your privacy - without really knowing it.

With every purchase, reams of your personal data is being captured.

Figure 2 of 3 as a continuation of figure 1: A PayPal icon with an arrow pointing downwards to the graphic below, entitled "709 Companies“. This onion-shaped image has 10 diverging, convex lines. Halfway down the vertical length, at the widest point horizontally, there are light blue circles varying in size that are filled with many small azure blue dots. These small azure blue dot represent the different data types, the light blue circles around them represent different business areas of different companies with which PayPal shares its user’s data. The onion-shaped graphic ends at the bottom with another arrow pointing down
With pandemics we can identify super-spreaders. And with data, we've identified PayPal.

Your data is passed on by PayPal to hundreds of companies that have nothing to do with your actual purchase, such as marketing and public relations firms.

This can include highly sensitive information such as your telephone number or your credit card number.

Figure 3 is the last in the series of three: The headline "66 countries" is followed by a graphic with two globes one above the other, each representing one side of the globe. The upper hemisphere shows North, Central and South America, Greenland, Europe and most of Africa. The lower hemisphere shows the western part of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Russia, Turkey, all of Asia and Australia. In many of the countries there are dark blue dots of various sizes representing the amount of data PayPal shares to these regions of the world. In Europe and North America there are by far the largest circles, i.e. data volumes, with the label "Europe" bearing the suffix "GDPR", indicating that the data sharing is at least regulated by the General Data Protection Regulation. This is not the case in the remaining regions.
No, your data will not remain safe in Europe. It's gone global!

PayPal shares your information with companies all over the world. They are not subject to German or European law. More than likely you've never heard of these firms. They have access to sensitive data, such as your bank account details, your mobile phone number, or your financial history. Data that you have protected using two-factor authentication.

Do you want more control over your data? The polyPod makes that possible!

Paying on the Internet with just one click is quick, easy, and convenient. And this is exactly what you should be able to do with peace of mind. polypoly makes data flows visible, and with the polyPod you regain control over your data. You will always be in the driver's seat.

This ensures that all companies handling your data do so carefully and fairly.

Source: PayPal (October 2019)

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The polyPod is top drawer!

Think of the polyPod as a drawer in which you keep all of your important documents - birth certificates, tax documents, photos, or love letters. It's your choice who can see this drawer. This is precisely how the polyPod operates. Like a digital drawer for your private data.

Your silent organiser

Unlike a real drawer, the polyPod automatically collects and sorts the data it finds about you on the Internet.

Whether individual data or entire groups, the polyPod makes it easy for you to do a digital Spring clean on the Internet.

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Do you trust a particular company? Then show it!

All new data is securely stored in your polyPod and other devices under your control. polypoly has no access to it.

Your data will not get into any third-party databases. They can only gain access with your permission.

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And now the good part!

When companies rent your data you will receive your fair share. The polypoly Cooperative takes care of sorting the details.

The polyPod is owned by the cooperative and therefore in the hands of its members. That means you!

Finally you're in control of your own data and make decisions about who gets to see it and when. Feels good, huh?

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Our technology is only as valuable as the members who believe in it!

Even though the polyPod will not be available until the beginning of 2021, you can secure your share in the cooperative today.

In doing so, you will help us to make faster progress in development  and benefit our growing community.

Illustration of a person holding a smartphone in his hand while walking
Secure your shares now!