Degrees of Openess

Defining the appropriate degree of openness is a key step in designing responsible research involving visual data. Researchers should anticipate from the outset whether data can be fully open, partially shared, or restricted, taking into account the presence of personal or sensitive data. This early assessment allows for the integration of data protection requirements into the research design, including informed consent procedures, anonymization strategies, and the selection of suitable repositories. Establishing clear levels of openness at this stage ensures that future data sharing is both legally compliant and aligned with ethical requirements.