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Privacy

Definition

Privacy is concerned with the protection of personal data: “any information that relates to an identified or identifiable living individual (data subject).”

Definition source: European Commission (n.d.). Data protection explained.

Stakes

part of: opacity

Privacy has many (legal) regulations around it, and is therefore important to consider.

Where does it occur in the lifecycle?

1 - Set Up

2 - Collection

Questions to consider throughout your work

  • How will your research data be stored safely? Is there need for anonymisation?
  • Is the collected data stored safely?

Examples

Good-better-best practices

Good Better Best
Follow the principle “As open as possible, as closed as necessary” when it comes to privacy. Ensure your research data is stored securely and is only accessible to those who need access. Create a plan for the deletion of sensitive data, if possible.
When working with data from (living) humans, ensure you follow the guidelines of your institutional Ethics Committee. Consider ‘opening’ your sensitive data to select users, either through physical barriers (closed reading rooms) or digital (password login to access).
You must receive informed consent from all participants before collecting data. Look into the use of indirect identifiers.
Anonymise your data.

Resources