Protecting research data of publicly revealing participants. Issue 2 (6th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McKibbin, Kyle J; Malin, Bradley A; Clayton, Ellen Wright
• Is Part Of: Journal of law and the biosciences. Volume 8:Issue 2(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09-06
• Subjects: re-identification -- risk mitigation -- self-disclosure -- informed consent -- privacy; Life sciences -- Law and legislation -- Periodicals; Science and law -- Periodicals; Law and biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Law and legislation -- Periodicals; Bioethics -- Periodicals; 344.0957
• DOI: 10.1093/jlb/lsab028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-9711

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Biomedical researchers collect large amounts of personal data about individuals, which are frequently shared with repositories and an array of users. Typically, research data holders implement measures to protect participants' identities and unique attributes from unauthorized disclosure. These measures, however, can be less effective if people disclose their participation in a research study, which they may do for many reasons. Even so, the people who provide these data for research often understandably expect that their privacy will be protected. We discuss the particular challenges posed by self-disclosure and identify various steps that researchers should take to protect data in these cases to protect both the individuals and the research enterprise.