Sensitive research data refers to any information collected or used in research that, if disclosed without authorization, could potentially cause harm to individuals, organizations, or nations. This type of data is often subject to strict privacy and protection regulations due to its confidential nature.
Example of sensitive research data include:
- Any information that is protected against disclosure by law, privacy regulations or contract.
- Any information that requires strict protection due to the potential harm or implications that could arise from its inadvertent or malicious disclosure or misuse.
- Any information that unauthorised release could lead to serious harm for individuals or the University.
Researchers often need to collect and work with sensitive data, but it requires planning to ensure you are meeting legal, ethical, and institutional expectations and obligations.
There are also extra data handling and protections that must be in place for Sensitive data. The Information Classification and Protection Standard gives an overview of what is expected when handling sensitive data. More information about how to classify your research data can be found on the Data Classification page.
