Data sharing

Read our simple guide to data sharing. 


What is data sharing?
Data sharing is the practice of giving or making personal data available to other controllers.

It is used to make it simpler for other controllers to use the personal data and to collaborate effectively. Appropriately managed and shared personal data allows controllers to work with the most recently available information, avoids duplication and supports better outcomes.

The Law protects the rights of individuals in relation to their personal data and provides for the free movement of personal data.

Some key things to remember about data sharing:
1.The Law facilitates data sharing when you approach it in a fair and proportionate way.
2.The Law is an enabler for fair and proportionate data sharing, rather than a blocker. It provides a framework to help you make decisions about sharing data appropriately.
3.This guidance helps you to balance the benefits and risks and implement data sharing.
4.Data sharing has benefits for society as a whole when done properly.
5.Sometimes it can be more harmful not to share data.
6.When considering sharing data:

• you must comply with the Law;
• we recommend that you assess the risks using a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA); and
• it is good practice to have a data sharing agreement in place.

Remember that the Law only applies where the sharing involves personal data – i.e. information relating to identified or identifiable living individuals.

READ MORE: Data sharing: a simple guide