What is a key requirement when using archival data containing sensitive information?

• A. Release identifiables
• B. Seek public opinion
• C. Ignore data-use agreements
• D. Ensure privacy protections

Answer: (D)

When using archival data that contains sensitive information, the priority is to protect privacy by applying strong privacy protections. The aim is to prevent harm to individuals by ensuring that data cannot be traced back to them and that use complies with consent, agreements, and relevant laws. This involves de-identifying data by removing direct identifiers, reducing or carefully managing indirect identifiers, and enforcing safeguards such as restricted access, secure storage, and data-use agreements that spell out allowed analyses and prohibit attempts to re-identify. Depending on the dataset, oversight from ethics review boards and adherence to legal requirements may also be necessary. Releasing identifiable information would violate privacy and ethics, seeking public opinion is not a privacy safeguard, and ignoring data-use agreements breaches obligations and undermines trust.