Solicitara

Solicitara is a term used in discussions of digital governance and data ethics to describe a formal, structured method for obtaining user consent for data collection and sharing within online services. The model emphasizes context-specific prompts, granular permissions, and ongoing consent management rather than a single, broad agreement. It is proposed as a framework for more transparent data practices in theoretical and policy debates.

Etymology: The word combines Latin solicitare, to solicit, with the suffix -ara, forming a noun that denotes a process or framework. The term is used primarily in theoretical writings and policy discussions rather than as a widely adopted standard.

Core features include context-aware prompts tied to specific data uses; modular permissions that separate data types; revocation mechanisms that are easy to execute; visible data flows showing who accesses data and for what purpose; and periodic consent reviews to reflect changes in data practices or use cases.

Applications span consumer apps, social platforms, and health technologies where user trust hinges on clear, controllable data practices. Proponents argue that solicitara can reduce privacy risks by making data practices more explicit, while designers stress the need for usability and avoiding prompts that overwhelm users with requests.

Criticism centers on potential consent fatigue, increased friction in user experience, and the risk that complex prompts mask ongoing data collection through secondary channels. Critics also caution that effective implementation requires robust transparency, accessibility, and regulatory alignment to ensure real user agency.