Data: singular or plural, yours or mine?

According to the grammar experts, the word data is the plural of "datum", and should be used with a plural verb (like "facts"). EXAMPLE: "How are the data collected?" But the reality is that "data" is now also used as a synonym for "information", followed by a singular verb. EXAMPLE: "The information on this page is subject to change." Those who defend "The data is..." often point to agenda, a plural word that today always takes a singular verb. But have you ever heard anyone after a meeting ask, "Were the agenda interesting?"

Oh, and as regards the pronunciation, those who work with the stuff day in and day out say "day-ta".

Because of the internet, data has/have also become a hot political concept. We own lots of it/them, but do not always have access to our data. Websites like data.gov and data.gov.uk are trying to change this, but there's a long way to go. IBM knows all about the importance and value of data as this video clip, with cool music by Philip Glass, shows.