How should researchers handle data identified as sensitive?

Handling sensitive data requires a careful approach to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals involved. Proper de-identification of sensitive data is crucial because it minimizes the risk of re-identifying individuals within the data. By removing or altering personal identifiers, researchers can share findings or insights derived from the data while ensuring that individual identities remain protected. This practice allows for the legitimate use of valuable information without compromising participant confidentiality.

The other approaches are less suitable for managing sensitive data due to various risks. Sharing sensitive data openly could lead to breaches of privacy, while analyzing it only in private settings might limit the ability to share findings with the broader community. Destroying the data after collection could prevent valuable insights from being generated and shared, which counters the purpose of conducting research in the first place. Thus, proper de-identification strikes a balance between utilizing sensitive data for research and safeguarding the rights and privacy of individuals.