How does ICPSR handle sensitive data? How will ICPSR distribute my restricted-use data?

Suppose your data include sensitive questions or contextual details that are analytically important but might increase the chance that a participant could be reidentified. In that case, ICPSR will recommend releasing a restricted-use version of the data. Researchers must apply to use restricted data; learn more about restricted-use data management and access at ICPSR. Applications require a description of the project and must be supported by a restricted-data-use agreement signed by a representative from the researcher’s institution as well as evidence of IRB approval or exemption.

In most instances, documentation files associated with a data collection remain public-use even if the data files are restricted-use so that researchers can see what might be in the data files before going through the application process for the restricted files. Documentation files may include codebooks, questionnaires, user guides, or other supporting documentation prepared for use with the study.

If you are planning to do additional data collection or wish to link your data to other sources, ICPSR can keep your list of participants’ contact information on a secure server unconnected to the internet.