Ethical and Legal Considerations

Introduction

Ethical and legal considerations constitute an important part of any research project in particular if it involves human participants. In the following we have collated links to information and documentation of relevance when designing your project.

 

  • The EU General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) is the main European Economic Area (EEA) data protection law applying to all EU countries and non-EU countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It also applies to data processing for scientific research purposes. The GDPR can be found in all its official languages here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32016R0679.
  • The GDPR contributes significantly to harmonization of data processing and movement of data within the EEA, but please be aware that data transfers to countries outside the EEA may raise complex legal questions, so it is wise to consult with your institution’s legal expertise if your project requires such transfers. GDPR Chapter V must be complied with for all personal data transfers to countries outside the EEA. The European Commission provides information on international transfers and which non-EEA countries the EC has determined to offer an adequate level of data protection: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection_en.