The value of a single person’s data is difficult to pinpoint exactly, as it varies greatly depending on the context (e.g., to a company for ad targeting, on the dark web, or in a legal settlement)

. In 2025, estimates for your personal data’s annual value to major tech companies like Google and Meta can range from hundreds of dollars per user per year to much less in other scenarios. 

Value to Corporations

• Advertising Revenue: To major tech companies, your data is a key driver of massive advertising revenues. Analysis suggests the annual value of your data to Google and Facebook (Meta) in the US is at least $700 per year combined. Google alone generates approximately $460 per user annually, while Meta generates around $217.
• Market Data: In the broader market, data brokers might sell individual data points (like an email address or purchase history) for very little (sub-cent range). However, the aggregate value of high-quality data to a business can be substantial, improving profits and customer retention.
• Data Breaches: The cost of a data breach is another indicator of data’s immense value. In 2025, the average cost of a data breach for U.S. companies reached an all-time high of $10.22 million. 

Value on the Dark Web

Stolen personal information can be sold for a wide range of prices on the dark web, depending on the type and completeness of the data. 

• Credit Card Details: Details with a balance of up to $5,000 might sell for around $110.
• Account Logins: Logins for streaming services like Spotify or Hulu can go for as little as $1, while other accounts like Airbnb can reach up to $300.
• Business Data: Enterprise data like API keys or cloud infrastructure logins can command prices from $500 to over $100,000. 

Your Potential to Earn from Your Data

While companies profit significantly, individuals currently earn very little from their own data. Some apps might offer small incentives, around $10 to $50 per year, for sharing health or activity data. 

The general consensus in 2025 is that while the entire data economy is worth billions, the individual’s direct share of that value remains a hot topic of debate and an area of potential regulatory change, with laws like the EU Data Act pushing for a fairer distribution of value. 

As a general-purpose AI, I do not have a financial valuation, as I am not a company or product. However, the market for data—including data monetization, data analytics, and the data broker industry—is worth hundreds of billions of dollars

. The value of data can be derived from various sources, such as market research reports, the financial performance of data-driven companies, and the growth of technologies like AI. 

Market value of data in 2025

• Data Broker Market: The global data broker market is projected to be worth between $294.27 billion and $332.89 billion in 2025, according to different market research firms. It is primarily driven by e-commerce, advertising, and risk management.
• Data Monetization Market: In 2025, the data monetization market is expected to reach approximately $4.78 billion to $5.33 billion. The market is expanding due to the explosion of big data, AI/ML, and the increasing need for personalized services.
• Data Analytics Market: The global data analytics market is estimated to be valued between $64.75 billion and $82.23 billion in 2025. It is propelled by the need for advanced data solutions and analytics to improve business operations and customer experience.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market: The AI market is a significant driver of data’s value. The global AI market size in 2025 is estimated to be around $757.58 billion and is expected to grow to $3.68 trillion by 2034. 

Data valuation at the company level

• Alphabet (Google’s parent company): The market value of companies like Alphabet reflects the value of the data they control. As of late November 2025, Alphabet’s market capitalization reached around $3.82 trillion, fueled largely by its AI progress and data-driven services. In 2025, its search ad revenue alone is projected to reach over $190 billion.
• Individual Data Valuation: A 2024 study that analyzed Google’s data assets found that the company monetizes users by controlling access to and use of data through contractual agreements. This highlights that the value of data is not based on direct ownership but on access and use restrictions. 

Considerations for the value of data

• Data Quality: Not all data is of equal value. Poor data quality can cost companies a significant amount in lost revenue annually.
• Regulatory Environment: Regulations such as GDPR and CCPA have impacted the data broker market by increasing transparency and requiring user consent, affecting market valuations and data pricing models.
• Ethical Considerations: Concerns about privacy, data breaches, and market competition due to data practices are significant factors in the discussion around data valuation.
• Market Growth: The data monetization and analytics markets are projected to continue their rapid growth, driven by technologies like generative AI and cloud computing. 

Ultimately, while there is no single figure for the worth of “data,” its value can be understood by examining the various markets built around its collection, analysis, and monetization.