When not to share data/code

Open Data
Citation
Author

Esther Plomp

Published

September 2, 2022

What if I cannot share my data/code?

The following types of data/code may not be suitable to share:

  • Personal data

  • Commercially confidential data

    • Be careful with sharing this type of data: also data about this data can be compromising to share!

    • Always store this data securely, preferable on the Project Drive, with access management in place. This is particularly important if you’re working with multiple partners (so that you do not accidentally cross-share information). Make sure you follow any requirements regarding data deletion.

    • You can check with your supervisor/industry partner what data/code can be shared. This is preferably agreed upon in advance in a data transfer agreement or an agreement (check with your contract manager).

      • Make sure that in any agreements you sign you are eventually able to use and share the data/code underlying the articles/theses.
    • You are generally able to share the data underlying the publication, or the data that does not have a confidential component.

    • You can also share the data under a temporary embargo (so that the IP is protected until patent applications are finalised).

  • Data belonging to third parties

    • You may be collaborating with other researchers that have to follow different requirements

    • Indicate the third party which the data belongs to, so that potential access requests can be directed to that third party

  • Other types of confidential data

    • National security (nuclear research, military research)

    • Export control regulations

    • Certain human or animal research

  • Data too large to be published online in a repository

    • 4TU.ResearchData offers each TU Delft researcher the possibility to publish up to 1TB of data free of charge

    • You may need to make a selection of the data you’ll share publicly and indicate clearly how you can be contacted if further access is needed

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