dataprotection

Data Network started out as Story, with the aim to simplify the management of intellectual property (IP) rights and create an open, blockchain-based infrastructure for IP. In July 2026, Story announced a rebrand to Data Network, citing resistance from major legacy brands who guarded their IP rights strongly and resisted broad open licensing. Data Network is now focused on AI training data, as demand for rights-cleared datasets to train AI models grows.
What Is Data Network?
Data Network is a blockchain network built for intellectual property and verified data. It provides a universal, open ledger where creative works, scientific data, machine learning models, and other knowledge assets can be registered as native digital assets.
Rather than relying on a central authority to track ownership and licensing agreements, Data Network enables creators and organizations to set programmable rules around how their IP can be used, shared, or monetized. Third parties can then access those assets under automated terms without lengthy negotiations.
How Does Data Network Work?
Multi-core architecture
Data Network uses a multi-core execution environment. The main core is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which allows developers to build familiar decentralized applications on the network. A separate Intellectual Property (IP) core manages on-chain registration, licensing, and ownership relationships for IP assets.
The IP core tracks complex asset graphs that show how one IP asset was derived from or relates to another. This lets the network automatically calculate and distribute royalties across multiple creators and contributors in a transparent way.
Proof of Creativity protocol
The Proof of Creativity (PoC) protocol is built on the IP core. It acts as an open repository that records the full history of every IP asset, from its initial creation through any modifications, expansions, or commercial uses.
PoC introduces programmable license modules that let IP holders define specific usage terms in code. For example, a creator could allow free use in non-commercial projects while charging a royalty for commercial applications. Revenue sharing rules are enforced automatically through smart contracts, without requiring any intermediary.
The DATA token
The native DATA (formerly IP) token is the medium of exchange on Data Network. It is used to pay transaction fees, incentivize validators through staking, and facilitate economic flows related to IP usage, such as royalty payments and licensing fees.
The DATA token also supports AI-related transactions on the network. Autonomous AI agents can use it to negotiate licenses and pay for access to datasets or models on behalf of users.
Cross-chain and off-chain integrations
Data Network supports cross-chain communication, so IP assets can be used across different blockchains and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms without the owner losing control. It also integrates oracles and off-chain services that verify IP authenticity, validate ownership claims, and support legal dispute resolution.
The Rebrand: From Story to Data Network
In July 2026, Story Protocol rebranded as the DATA Foundation, and Story Network became Data Network. The project's token, previously known as IP, was converted to DATA through a one-to-one migration. The rebrand reflected a strategic shift: while the original Story Protocol focused on making intellectual property programmable for entertainment and gaming, the DATA Foundation redirected its focus toward verified data for AI training.
The foundation explained that companies behind valuable music, games, and brands had resisted open licensing, which limited adoption of the original IP-focused model. By contrast, demand for AI training data proved stronger.
The rebrand also brought a partnership with Kled, described as the largest opt-in human data marketplace, which adds more than 1.5 billion images, videos, and files to the network. Kled's founder Avi Patel joined the DATA Foundation as chief data officer.
For readers looking for the pre-rebrand article, see our existing explainer on What Is Story (IP)?, which covers the original project architecture and token.
Use Cases and Applications
Data Network is designed to support a range of IP and AI-related use cases.
Universal IP marketplace: Data Network enables direct, programmable peer-to-peer IP transactions, including licensing, revenue sharing, and fractional ownership. This is relevant for creative works, music, literature, and art, as AI-generated content becomes more common.AI model and dataset markets: Organizations can register AI training datasets, foundation models, and fine-tuning packages on Data Network, making them licensable assets. Developers who use these assets can pay royalties automatically. For more on how blockchain and AI intersect, see The Relationship Between Blockchain and AI.Agent-based commerce: Autonomous AI agents can negotiate, license, and pay for IP assets on behalf of users in a trustless way. This removes the need for manual contract negotiations when AI systems interact at scale.Legal and compliance: Through programmable licenses and off-chain attestations, Data Network can support enforceable agreements and dispute resolution. The governance layer can also function similarly to a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) for protocol decisions.
FAQ
What problem does Data Network solve for intellectual property?
Traditional IP systems rely on centralized registries and legal processes that can be slow and costly. Data Network moves IP management on-chain, so creators can register assets, set licensing terms in code, and receive royalties automatically. This reduces the need for intermediaries and makes IP markets more accessible.
What is the DATA token used for?
The DATA token is the native token of the Data Network. It is used to pay transaction fees, stake to support network validators, and facilitate economic transactions such as licensing fees and royalty payments. It also enables AI agents to transact on behalf of users within the network. DATA replaced the former IP token through a 1:1 migration.
What is the Proof of Creativity protocol?
Proof of Creativity (PoC) is Data Network's open IP repository. It records the full history of an IP asset, including its origin, any derivative works, and all commercial uses. It also enforces programmable licenses, so royalties can be distributed automatically without manual intervention.
How does Data Network support AI and machine learning?
Data Network allows AI training datasets and models to be registered as licensable IP assets. When a developer uses a registered dataset to train a model, the royalty rules encoded in the license can trigger automatic payments to the original data creators. AI agents can also use the DATA token to negotiate and pay for licenses independently.
What happened to the IP token after the rebrand?
The IP token was converted to DATA through a one-to-one migration when Story Protocol rebranded as the DATA Foundation in July 2026. Integrations and validators continued without interruption.
Is Data Network compatible with other blockchains?
Yes. Data Network supports cross-chain communication, which means IP assets registered on Data Network can be used across other blockchain networks and DeFi platforms. This interoperability is designed to make the network useful beyond its own ecosystem.
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