Beginner level · Module 5: Data Privacy and Ethics in Analysis · Lesson 3 of 3
Consent, Purpose and Responsible Sharing
Use data only for agreed purposes, share it safely and follow your organisation's policies.
In this lesson you will
- Check consent and purpose before using data
- Share data with appropriate safeguards
Key concepts
informed consentpurpose limitationdata sharing agreementsecure transfer
The lesson
People agreed to give data for a purpose. Using it for something very different — such as sharing beneficiary lists with another organisation — needs a clear justification and often new consent.
Share the minimum needed: aggregated tables rather than raw data, and raw data only under an agreement that limits use, storage and onward sharing.
Transfer data securely — encrypted files, protected folders — never as open email attachments or messaging-app forwards. Follow your organisation's data protection policy and applicable law.
Step by step
- Read the survey's consent statement.
- Decide which uses it allows.
- Write a data sharing note for the water committee.
- Choose a secure way to share the files.
Practice activity
Finish the water project with its privacy note and present the brief.
Expected result: A completed project whose privacy note explains what was shared, with whom and how.
Check your understanding
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What is purpose limitation?
Show answer
Using data only for the purposes people were told about.
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Why share aggregated tables instead of raw data where possible?
Show answer
They meet most needs while exposing far less personal information.
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.