Sensitive data
Sensitive data
There are many reasons data can be sensitive including, data containing personal information identifying individuals, confidential data produced under an agreement or commercial interests, Copyright and Intellectual Properties owned by third-parties, data that if released can have negative effects on the environment or endangered species, and data that compromises security or can harm individuals or communities.
At Manchester Met, you are expected to be aware of these issues and manage your data and your project accordingly.
Strategies for managing sensitive data include:
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Obtain consent
If you will be collecting data from participants, you will need to gain consent both to collect and share the data.
University Research ethics and governance provides consent forms and participant information sheet templates for you.
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Secure storage and transfer
See Storing Data for more information on what storage options are available to students and researchers.
The University’s Information Security pages provide more information and guidance on policies, training, and risk assessments.
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Encryption
The University offers guidance on encrypting files.
The UK Data Service also provides information on encryption.
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Copyright
If you are using third-party data, or data collected by other researchers, you will need to be aware of copyright including restrictions around data use and reuse.
For data produced by Manchester Met researchers, see the University’s Intellectual Property Policy.
Sharing sensitive data
Sensitive data can be shared publicly if appropriate precautions are put in place.
Strategies for sharing sensitive data include:
- Making only a subset of your data available
- Anonymisation. The UK Data Service offers guidance on anonymisation.
- Applying licences and embargoes
- Restricting access to only authorised users
See also Sharing Data.