Data Dissemination Conditions in the European Statistical System (ESS) UNECE, Warschau May 2009

Name of the presentation The questionnaire 10 questions on data dissemination conditions: free of charge or not, customer-specific extractions, microdata, conditions of use and redistribution, … Sent to 35 statistical institutes, including Eurostat 100% return !!! ( although timeliness in some cases might be improved … )

Name of the presentation 1. Publication policy document in EN ? 9 NSIs (26%) YES, 26 (74%) NO Nevertheless, some replying NO have: policy document in national language(s) on line elements of publication policy on line internal or published policy document, not on line

Name of the presentation 2. Types of data disseminated for free ? Most common: all data to every user for free Usually via web site Some exceptions: –Privileged access for government, administration (more for free) –Data with extra production or distribution cost: paper publications, custom-made data, microdata –Data for commercial use or redistribution –Use of on line data base

Name of the presentation 3. Data types and indicators free of charge? On the average free of charge: Data types (23 NSIs): 89% Indicators (21 NSIs): 93% Many NSIs are reluctant to provide an estimate, because percentages vary strongly with channel used (web site, paper publication, replying to requests, …)

Name of the presentation 4. Charging schemas and price ranges ? Data themselves are usually free of charge to all Exceptions or limitations: Production and distribution cost often charged Sometimes complexity and volume of data is a factor Often discount to students, researchers Sometimes privileged access for government or administration Link to price list: 19 NSIs EN, 8 more in national language only

Name of the presentation 5. Customer-specific extraction service ? Practically all NSIs have central data extraction service Some exceptions/add-ons: –Role for statistical units (direct link with clients) –Regional offices –Several central extraction services, depending on data type or statistical domain

Name of the presentation 6. Re-use of data allowed? Nearly all NSIs allow re-use of data On condition of source being indicated! For personal use and reasonable amounts Respecting copyright on lay-out and similar aspects Some exceptions: –Some types of data –Explicit permission needed

Name of the presentation 7. Redistribution allowed? Three types: No restriction, even for commercial purposes (about 25%) Allowed but with permission or contract, extra charge (about 65%) Only a few NSIs do not allow redistribution at all

Name of the presentation 8. Aspects covered in usage disclaimer Over half of NSIs have no disclaimer (or maybe one in national language only) Extent varies from very formal, legal and detailed to minimal (only ©) Aspects covered: Indication of source (always) Declining or limiting liability for lack of accuracy or timeliness

Name of the presentation 9. Procedures for access to microdata All but a few NSIs offer access to microdata Procedures usually involve –Privacy protection guarantee, in many cases based upon external advice or permission (personal data protection committee) –Check of validity of request –Drawing up and signing of detailed contract, especially on confidentiality –Price calculation according to scheme or rules

Name of the presentation 10. Other than statistical data sold? About half of NSIs only sell (or freely provide) statistical data In all other cases business or similar register information (addresses etc) is sold Only 2 NSIs commercialize in addition –Surveys for others –Courses –Economic analyses

Name of the presentation Summary: now Practically all NSIs have a well-established dissemination policies and practices In many cases, however, they are not clearly summarized in a publicly available policy document There’s a high degree of convergence in practices across NSIs: –Data are usually available to all free of charge, in principle and mainly through the web site –Extractions on request are possible, usually at cost price –Microdata are available on the basis of a contract, safeguarding confidentiality

Name of the presentation Summary: the future Common practices provide basis for ‘Dissemination Policy Charter’ Other sources are Code of practice and existing policy documents The 7 Principles (Draft, for discussion): 1.Equal and free access to statistics 2.Equal and free access to explanations of statistics 3.Respect for privacy 4.Announced and simultaneous release 5.Free use of statistics 6.Free transmission or commercialisation of statistics 7.Free access to microdata for research