Data Impact Assessments
Centre for Humanitarian Data (2020), 6 pp.
Other editions: also published in Arabic, French and Spanish
"• Data impact assessments determine the potential benefits and risks associated with data management. They are a critical component of responsible data management, but are often overlooked.
• There are a wide variety of approaches to data impact assessments. Selecting the right assessment for a given data management activity can minimise the risk and maximise the benefit to affected people, humanitarians and other stakeholders.
• Applicable laws and regulations, internal policies, the context in which data management will take place and other factors determine which assessment(s) should be applied to a data management activity.
• Data impact assessments should be conducted before and during data management activities in order to inform project planning and design. Activities should be redesigned or cancelled if the foreseeable risks of data management outweigh the intended benefits." (Key takeaways)
• There are a wide variety of approaches to data impact assessments. Selecting the right assessment for a given data management activity can minimise the risk and maximise the benefit to affected people, humanitarians and other stakeholders.
• Applicable laws and regulations, internal policies, the context in which data management will take place and other factors determine which assessment(s) should be applied to a data management activity.
• Data impact assessments should be conducted before and during data management activities in order to inform project planning and design. Activities should be redesigned or cancelled if the foreseeable risks of data management outweigh the intended benefits." (Key takeaways)
