HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Tracking a Data Footprint

Colorful blurred lights with blue glowing digital bars, and HMGCC Co-Creation logo on a dark background.

Summary of Challenge

Can you help us minimise a person’s data footprint?

The latest HMGCC Co-Creation challenge is seeking a mobile app which can help a phone user monitor this data over time.

This opportunity is looking for experts able to develop a mobile app to Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL 5) within 12 weeks.

While some data on phones enable apps to function, other elements are used for tracking, profiling and personalising. This challenge is about working out how this impacts on a person’s digital footprint.

The app should be able to:

HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for applicants successful in phase 2 of the competition.

Context of Challenge

When apps are installed on mobile devices, they can typically access certain types of information about a phone and how it is used. Core collection tools used are:

Types of data gathered include:

Although the information is usually anonymised, in practice it can often be linked to email addresses or phone numbers. Coupled with this, companies can sometimes sell or share this data with brokers who may then aggregate, build device-level movement histories, and resell this to advertisers.

For privacy sensitive individuals, such as those working in national security and defence, this creates a direct threat to their identity and safety.

The gap

There are existing tools that can reduce data exposure, including VPNs, advertising blockers and privacy-first browsers. While these can be useful, some information is always needed to allow the app to work properly. This challenge is looking to minimise what is revealed and actively manage the aggregated risk of data exposure.

HMGCC Co-Creation is seeking a simple to use, on-device solution that enables a user to monitor their data exposure, that can:

Dates

*Please note, the successful solution provider will be expected to have availability for a one hour onboarding call via MS Teams on the date specified to begin the onboarding/contractual process.

Eligibility

This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances. Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co-Creation challenges.

How to Apply – Phase 1

Please submit your application on the HMGCC Co-Creation website. Any queries please email cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk.

All information you provide to us as part of your application will be handled in confidence.

Applications must be no more than one page or one slide in length. HMGCC Co-Creation reserves the right to stop reading if this limit is breached. The page/slide limit excludes title pages, references, personnel CVs and organisational profiles.

Phase 1 applications will be assessed using the following scoring criteria:

Following assessments, the successful applicants will be invited to submit a more in-depth proposal in phase 2. There will be feedback given to the successful applicants to aid their full proposal submission.

Challenge Documents