Data Protection

Data protection is of central importance in projects involving visual data, as images, photographs, and videos may render individuals directly identifiable and therefore more vulnerable to legal, reputational, or personal risks. Unlike many forms of textual data, visual materials are often difficult to fully anonymize; consequently, strategies such as anonymization, pseudonymization, and access restrictions must be carefully planned from the outset. 

Integrating data protection into the research design entails clearly defining procedures for data collection, storage, processing, and sharing, as well as determining appropriate levels of data openness. These decisions will also be formulated and made explicit in the Data Management Plan (DMP). Such a preventive approach helps mitigate risks, ensures compliance with applicable legal frameworks, and guarantees that the dissemination of visual data remains proportionate, secure, and consistent with the ethical commitments made to research participants.