A data monetization network node (10, 12, 320, 330) operating in a blockchain network, comprising: a processor (20, 50, 704); and a memory unit operatively connected to the processor (20, 50, 704) and characterized by including computer code that when executed causes the processor (20, 50, 704) to: encrypt a raw data record extracted from a machine learning model being trained; create a secure cryptographic hash of the encrypted raw data record; build a hash tree based at least on the secure cryptographic hash of the encrypted raw data record, and register a corresponding hash tree root in a distributed ledger of the blockchain network; submit a claim for a reward represented by a height of the hash tree; provide a hash tree proof to each of a plurality of other network nodes in the blockchain network, the hash tree proof verifying the height of the hash tree in response to verification challenges from each of the plurality of other network nodes; calculate an amount of individual data points contributed by the data monetization network node based upon the height of the hash tree, the calculated amount of individual data points comprising a share of a monetization reward for training of the machine learning model; and receive the share of the monetization reward. a processor (20, 50, 704); and a memory unit operatively connected to the processor (20, 50, 704) and characterized by including computer code that when executed causes the processor (20, 50, 704) to: encrypt a raw data record extracted from a machine learning model being trained; create a secure cryptographic hash of the encrypted raw data record; build a hash tree based at least on the secure cryptographic hash of the encrypted raw data record, and register a corresponding hash tree root in a distributed ledger of the blockchain network; submit a claim for a reward represented by a height of the hash tree; provide a hash tree proof to each of a plurality of other network nodes in the blockchain network, the hash tree proof verifying the height of the hash tree in response to verification challenges from each of the plurality of other network nodes; calculate an amount of individual data points contributed by the data monetization network node based upon the height of the hash tree, the calculated amount of individual data points comprising a share of a monetization reward for training of the machine learning model; and receive the share of the monetization reward. encrypt a raw data record extracted from a machine learning model being trained; create a secure cryptographic hash of the encrypted raw data record; build a hash tree based at least on the secure cryptographic hash of the encrypted raw data record, and register a corresponding hash tree root in a distributed ledger of the blockchain network; submit a claim for a reward represented by a height of the hash tree; provide a hash tree proof to each of a plurality of other network nodes in the blockchain network, the hash tree proof verifying the height of the hash tree in response to verification challenges from each of the plurality of other network nodes; calculate an amount of individual data points contributed by the data monetization network node based upon the height of the hash tree, the calculated amount of individual data points comprising a share of a monetization reward for training of the machine learning model; and receive the share of the monetization reward.