If you’re a data scientist or researcher, you’ve likely heard of data pooling—the process of combining data from different sources to create a more extensive and comprehensive dataset.
It can be a powerful tool for gaining insights and making more accurate predictions. First, however, it’s essential to be aware of the legal issues involved to ensure that you stay on the right side of the law.
In this post, we’ll dive into the benefits of data pooling and explore the legal issues you must consider when engaging in this activity. By the end of this post, you’ll better understand how to maximise the benefits of data pooling while staying within legal boundaries.
What is data pooling?
The process of combining data from multiple sources to create a larger and more comprehensive dataset.
The benefits of data pooling
It has many benefits for data scientists and researchers.
By combining data from different sources, we can gain new insights that may not have been possible otherwise.
Data pooling allows us to increase the sample size and reduce biases in our datasets, leading to more accurate and reliable results. For example, in healthcare research, pooling data from multiple studies can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a particular disease or treatment. Further, combining data from numerous sources in marketing can help companies better understand their target audience and make more informed decisions about advertising and product development.
Additionally, data pooling can be cost-effective, as it allows researchers to use existing data rather than collecting new data, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Overall, it can help data scientists and researchers gain a more comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon or make more accurate predictions.
Legal migraines
While data pooling has many benefits, there are also legal issues to consider. Here are some of the most important legal considerations to keep in mind:
Privacy laws: Protecting personal data
Privacy laws, such as POPIA, often require companies to obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting and using their data. Therefore, it is vital to comply with these regulations to avoid hefty fines and legal action.
Intellectual property: Obtaining necessary permissions
Data pooling often involves combining data from different sources, some of which may be protected by intellectual property rights. Before pooling data from various sources, it is essential to ensure that you have the necessary permissions to use and share the data.
Contractual obligations: Complying with agreements
Many companies have contracts or agreements in place that govern the use of their data. So, before pooling data from different sources, you must ensure you are not violating any contractual obligations.
Data security: Protecting data from unauthorised access
Data pooling can raise concerns about data security. When combining data from different sources, it is vital to protect it from unauthorised access or disclosure.
Actions you can take next
- Manage your data relationships by asking us to draft a data-sharing agreement for you.
- Ensure your data-sharing agreements comply with applicable laws by asking us to review them.
- Comply with data protection law by joining our data protection programme.
