Personal information in shared data

Records shared with the NBN Atlas usually have a component of personal information (e.g. recorder and verifier names). Data providers are responsible for deciding whether the names of their recorders, determiners and verifiers can be included in the data that they share with the NBN Atlas.

There are several options that a data provider can use to decide whether or not to include personal details. These include, but are not limited to,:

• use the legal basis of ‘public task’ for collecting, processing and sharing recorder, identifier and verifier names;
• use the legal basis of ‘legitimate interest’, if the data providers consider that the individuals involved ‘reasonably expect’ that their names are shared;
• request permission from the individuals involved.

The JNCC has produced some guidance on Biological recording and data protection.