In the modern data-driven world, data security is becoming increasingly important. Especially in the field of social science surveys, researchers need to ensure that personal data are properly protected and processed. Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant regulations is essential to preserve the privacy of participants and ensure the responsible handling of sensitive data.

Answers to key questions and best practice
The Fact Sheets provide answers to key questions that may arise when designing and conducting social science surveys. They contain basic information, recommendations and best practice examples for the implementation of data security regulations in social science studies. However, they do not replace a data security law review and do not constitute legal advice. For example, researchers can learn from the first fact sheet how to adequately inform study participants about the purpose of the study, the type of data collected, and the use of these data, or how consent should be documented to meet the requirements of data security laws.

User-friendly access to expertise 
The new service of the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories facilitates access to expert knowledge in the field of data protection for researchers at LIfBi and beyond. The fact sheets are based on the expertise of the staff of the Center for Study Management at LIfBi. This center facilitates and supervises the implementation of large-scale studies, including in particular the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS), which is unique worldwide in its methodological and organizational design. The Fact Sheets summarize information in a concise and structured manner in order to address the specific questions of the scientific community.

To date, Fact Sheets have been published or are planned on the following topics:
- How does one obtain valid informed consent and how is it documented?
- What must be considered when obtaining consent for a collection of data from minors?
- What are special categories or sensitive data according to the GDPR and how are they to be considered? When is a collection anonymous and what does the collection of personal data mean?
- What must be considered when incentivizing participants?
- What needs to be considered when collecting address and contact data of participants? (in preparation)
- What and who must be on a data protection sheet? (in preparation)

Follow this link to find the Fact Sheets (PDF in German)