Tool Overview:
Pryv

About Pryv

Pryv.io is a middleware platform designed for managing personal data throughout its entire lifecycle, from collection to disposal. The platform provides a foundation for organizations to build privacy-compliant applications, particularly in sectors handling sensitive data like healthcare and financial services. At its core, Pryv.io implements a distributed data storage model where each user's data remains separate, complemented by consent management mechanisms and audit capabilities.

What does Pryv do?

The platform structures data using a hierarchical system of 'streams' that provide context for stored information, similar to folders but with more flexibility. Each piece of data, called an 'event,' can belong to multiple streams and carries specific metadata about its type and purpose. This architecture enables organizations to maintain clear data lineage while supporting various use cases from medical record management to IoT sensor data collection.

Pryv.io implements real-time notification capabilities through Socket.io and webhooks, allowing applications to respond immediately to data changes. The platform includes features for high-frequency data collection and processing, making it suitable for applications that require continuous monitoring, such as medical devices or financial transaction systems.

What makes Pryv different?

A key distinguishing feature of Pryv's architecture is its approach to data segregation and access control. Rather than centralizing data storage, the platform maintains separate data spaces for each user account, with access mediated through three distinct types of permissions: owner accesses for personal use, delegate accesses for applications, and shared accesses for third-party views. This model aims to align technical implementation with privacy principles.

The platform addresses cross-account data aggregation by pushing this functionality to the client side or middleware services. While this approach may initially seem limiting, it represents a deliberate architectural choice to maintain data separation and privacy. Organizations requiring statistics or analytics across multiple users must explicitly request access and aggregate data through their own services.

Use cases and industries

Pryv targets several key industries where personal data management and compliance are critical concerns. In healthcare, the platform supports real-time patient monitoring systems and facilitates early diagnosis and chronic disease management. The financial services sector uses Pryv for compliance-driven data management, while retail applications leverage its real-time notification capabilities for user behavior tracking.

The platform offers regional data hosting options with providers in multiple countries, including Switzerland, France, the United States, and Hong Kong. These providers must meet specific security standards, with some offering HIPAA compliance and ISO 27001 certification. This distributed hosting model helps organizations address data residency requirements across different jurisdictions.

HIPAA compliance is a particular focus, with Pryv treating all data with the same level of protection required for health information, regardless of sensitivity level. The platform includes built-in audit trails and documentation capabilities to help organizations demonstrate compliance with various regulatory frameworks, including GDPR.