Phunware Inc. (NASDAQ:PHUN) shares jumped on Wednesdy as the firm announced its participation in the 2020 SXSW PanelPicker, the official user-generated session proposal platform for the influential SXSW Conference.
In afternoon trading in New York, shares in Phunware were 13.9% higher at $1.39.
In a statement today, the company - which has a fully-integrated enterprise cloud platform for mobile that provides products, solutions, data and services for brands worldwide - said its session proposal details not only the misuse and exploitation of user data by tech giants, but also a unique solution that leverages Phunware's proven technology.
Randall Crowder, Phunware’s Chief Operating Officer and panelist said: “People are waking up to the fact that their freewill is an illusion being curated for them by a handful of technology companies through the exploitation of data that is being collected and used without informed consent or compensation.
“Fortunately, major brands want consumers empowered and in control of their data because verifiable data like Phunware's helps to reduce fraud and improve engagement," he added.
Phunware Advisory Board Member Brittany Kaiser will also be a panelist at the event. Kaiser is profiled in Netflix’s new documentary ‘The Great Hack’ which details her experience as a whistleblower at Cambridge Analytica, which led to the creation of the Digital Asset Trade Association (DATA) and #OwnYourData campaign.
Kaiser commented: "We believe that you should have full transparency into all of the data you are producing, all of the data that is held on you and what that is going to be used for. It should be your choice whether you consent to sharing those data sets or keeping your privacy, but if you do decide to share, you should be able to monetize the data you're producing.”
The SXSW Conference, which features interactive, film and music industries runs from March 13-March 22, 2020 in Austin, Texas.
SXSW PanelPicker is intended to encourage community input and involvement in the conference. Community voting accounts for 30% of the selection process for SXSW programming.
In addition to community voting, the SXSW advisory board provides feedback on all proposals and SXSW staff members work to fill gaps in relevant subject matters, balancing between both new and veteran speakers.
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Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com