FAQ data quality

This website provides frequently asked questions about data quality in the context of the GDPR in research. Additionally, it is useful to read the general information about data quality.

  1. How do I deal with deleting data from the perspective of data quality?
  2. From the perspective of data quality, what steps do I need to take in documenting decisions on the collection and handling of personal data?
  3. Collaborating with different parties can cause personal data to be stored in multiple storage locations, which can comprise on data quality. How can this be prevented?

1. How do I deal with deleting data from the perspective of data quality?

The GDPR states that inaccurate personal data should be rectified or deleted without any delay. So, when personal data is inaccurate and as a researcher you are not able to rectify this data, the data has to be deleted. Therefore, we encourage you to implement regular checks on data quality and give data subjects the possibility to change their personal data in an easy manner.

2. From the perspective of data quality, what steps do I need to take in documenting decisions on the collection and handling of personal data?

Data accuracy is one of the ‘privacy by design’ components. You can demonstrate the accuracy of your personal data by documenting how and when you performed data quality checks. Additionally, document how often and in which way you enable research participants to update and rectify their personal data.

3. Collaborating with different parties can cause personal data to be stored in multiple storage locations, which can comprise on data quality. How can this be prevented?

The number of storage locations for personal data should be minimised to protect the privacy of data subjects and to ensure data quality. Whenever possible, share only anonymised or pseudonymised data with collaborators and keep the personal data on-site or at least in a limited number of locations. If sharing personal data with collaborating parties is required, this must be explicated in a data exchange agreement. In this document, also the responsibility for the data quality of personal data has to be described. You can ask the data protection manager of your department for a format.