Chronicle of Higher Education: Researchers Struggle to Secure Data in an Insecure Age

Chronicle of Higher Education: Researchers Struggle to Secure Data in an Insecure Age

Hi everyone,  I thought this recent article from the Chronicle would be of interest.  The article points out that most Universities provide inadequate data security for researchers, that most researchers know little about data security, and that IRBs rarely have data security experts on their review teams.  One inexpensive response of IRBs (including our own here at Purdue) is to include a disclaimer in the consent form stating something to the effect that data security systems are not perfect, and that there is a chance of breach of privacy.  My sense is that for many, perhaps most, linguistic studies, such a disclaimer is enough, as long as participants understand the risk.  But what about for studies with highly sensitive data?  Is this issue of concern for the linguistics community?  Just thought I’d throw that out and see what others think.  I realize not everyone has access to the Chronicle.  My apologies to those who are unable to access the link.    Elaine