This proposal outlines a system where individuals control their own personal databases, which store verified information that can be shared with authorized parties. The process would involve individuals submitting their data for verification through a government agency or third-party service, after which the information would be added to their personal database. The purpose of this proposal is to combat concerns regarding misinformation regarding personal accomplishments. For example, there is a large problem in academia, where the credentials of publishers and their CVs aren’t reassuring (Teixeira Da Silva et al., 2020b). There has also been discussion about CVs specifically for career failure (Teixeira Da Silva et al., 2020b). All this information can be stored in the database. There is a market for this this idea, as mechanisms that control the flow of information are popular. For example, the popularity of the radio during the 1967-1970 Nigerian Civil War directly correlates to how it could dispel false information and deceit (Essien, Eniola, Essien, & Lawal, 2023). Some strengths of this approach include easy storage, access, and sharing of information, providing individuals with more control over their data. It would also help reduce misinformation, as verified information would be considered more trustworthy. Costs for maintenance and agency hirings can be offset by the elimination of wasteful hiring. Downsides of this proposal include the erasure of third-party background check companies or the lack of standardization between the database and the former. The possibility of the database becoming an industry standard would create conflict with individuals who don’t wish to store their data and turn it into a prime target for cybercriminals.
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