> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.lightstreams.network/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.lightstreams.network/lightstreams-docs/privacy-and-confidentiality.md).

# Data Sovereignty

We believe applications should be designed where:

* User data remains private and confidential. 
* User data is not managed or controlled by a single entity.

Many people use *privacy* and *confidentiality* interchangeably, yet the two words and *anonymity* mean significantly different things. The differences matter when it comes to data ownership, rights, responsibilities, and protections. 

{% hint style="info" %}
Being **anonymous** does not guarantee **privacy**. 
{% endhint %}

**Anonymity** – is ensuring that an individual is not known and cannot be identified.

**Privacy** – is the individual or an entity’s right to keep personal data to themselves and to not have their actions recorded or monitored.

**Confidentiality** – refers to controlling access to protected information that is shared between parties by consent.

## Smart Vault: Privacy & Confidentiality 

The Smart Vault by Lightstreams can be used by applications to manage access to protected information that is shared between people. \
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Each application runs an instance of the Smart Vault that connects to a peer-to-peer network of other Smart Vaults.\
\
When permission is granted, data is transmitted directly between each person's Smart Vault in a peer-to-peer manner so that each persona has a copy of the data. 

Unlike cloud services like Google Drive, DropBox or Sharepoint, there is no central intermediary acting as the central storage and conduit. 

![](/files/-LsrdsNw_hm8EuOJaC4K)

Learn more about the Smart Vault...

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[Smart Vault](/products/smart-vault.md)
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