Enabling User-Owned Data to Create User-Owned AI with Vana | Anna Kazlauskas

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: ⁠https://x.com/Proof_Coverage⁠ Connor sits down with Anna Kazlauskas, co-founder of Vana, to explore the intersection of AI and user-owned data. They discuss the resurgence of the crypto scene in San Francisco, fueled by advancements in AI, and the impact of DeepSeek on model training efficiency and data privacy. Anna shares her journey from MIT to co-founding Vana, a layer one blockchain enabling programmable data rights for AI. She introduces the concept of data DAOs—user-owned data collectives that negotiate better terms with platforms—highlighting the shift toward self-sovereign digital identities. The conversation also covers Vana’s tokenomics and its mission to address AI’s data shortage by empowering users with control and incentives. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:45 - Impact of DeepSeek on AI and User Privacy 04:22 - User Awareness and Data Storage Concerns 06:28 - The Shift in AI Narrative 07:14 - Anna's Journey into User-Owned Data 10:45 - Vana's Technical Framework and Privacy 12:20 - The Need for Data Sovereignty in AI 13:27 - Building a Layer 1 Blockchain 15:51 - Data DAOs: A New Approach to Data Ownership 17:15 - Understanding Data DAOs and Their Function 22:47 - The Role of Data Ownership in Social Platforms 24:51 - Negotiating Better Terms for Data Ownership 26:40 - Bringing Data to Vana and AI Applications 28:09 - Privacy-Preserving Compute Solutions 29:22 - Tokenomics of Vana 30:55 - Data DAO Specific Tokens and Their Role 31:22 - Final Thoughts on Vana's Vision 32:30 - Where to Find More Information Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.