Structuring data access protocols in the United Kingdom
In the realm of policy-making, a significant consultation has been launched by the UK's Office of Communications (Ofcom) to explore how and to what extent researchers can access online platform data [1]. This initiative is part of an ecosystem of policy tools addressing data sharing, and it will feed into a report under the Online Safety Act 2023.
The consultation is of particular importance in sectors like transport, energy use, and food consumption, where private companies' data sharing can contribute significantly to the public good. For instance, data from Strava, a popular fitness tracking application, has been utilised in various public interest projects [2]. Strava shares its data voluntarily for such purposes, allowing different actors with diverse skills, perspectives, and motivations to work with the data.
However, accessing and using such data is not always straightforward. The process can be delayed due to investigations and data compliance issues, as seen with the sewage spill data provided by water and sewage companies in England and Wales [3]. Despite the legal obligation to make environmental information publicly available, the data provided had large gaps, was inconsistently formatted, and included impossible values.
The consultation aims to address these challenges by implementing legal mandates and other data access mechanisms. Such measures can ensure that private companies share data for the public good, balancing data use with ethical considerations [4]. For example, the Fair Information Practice Principles and the Five Safes approach guide responsible data use that respects privacy and mitigates risk.
Moreover, the consultation will explore friction points and power dynamics in the access-to-data landscape, with two case studies focusing on transport and water pollution management [5]. The goal is to minimise friction between actors, ensuring clarity in legal mandates, well-defined data standards, interoperable technical systems, and open dialogue across stakeholder groups.
In the case of water companies, the interests of the data holder can be at odds with those of the communities they are supposed to serve, potentially leading to data obfuscation and blocking of research [6]. However, when implemented effectively, legal mandates, combined with enforceable compliance programs, ethical data governance frameworks, and community engagement, can address challenges around data quality, representation, and friction between actors.
In the past, data from platforms like Strava has proven valuable. Academics have used Strava data to study the use of cycling infrastructure during COVID-19-related lockdowns, while Transport for London has been a consistent client of Strava Metro, using its data to assess the impact of bike safety lanes [2]. Strava data has also been cited as a valuable resource by multiple Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans in the UK.
In summary, the consultation aims to maximise public benefit while safeguarding privacy and trust in data sharing initiatives. By establishing legal compliance and reporting requirements, balancing data use with ethical considerations, governance by public data stewards, addressing data quality and representation, and minimising friction between actors, the consultation seeks to create a more transparent and collaborative data sharing landscape.
The consultation on policy-and-legislation, launched by the UK's Office of Communications (Ofcom), is crucial in promoting politics surrounding data sharing, particularly in sectors like transport, energy use, and food consumption. This consultation will address challenges in accessing and using online platform data, aiming to implement legal mandates and data access mechanisms, ensuring that private companies share data for the general-news, balancing data use with ethical considerations.
