Starting from Latin, 'data' is the nominative plural of 'datum' ('a given thing'), a past participle of 'dare' (to give).
As any fule know, it can be used interchangeably for singular or plural.
'Iacta alea est' (Julius Caesar, on crossing the Rubicon)
'The dice are cast'
OR
'The die is cast'
Both equally valid translations. This rule carries forward into English. So sorry to most pedants above, you are plain old wrong.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
