A data monetization network node operating in a blockchain network , comprising: a processor ; and a memory unit operatively connected to the processor and characterized by including computer code that when executed causes the processor 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 ; and a memory unit operatively connected to the processor and characterized by including computer code that when executed causes the processor 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. <EOS>