Pizzul D., Caliandro A. The digital data double standard: economic value extraction versus scientific knowledge limitation and the opportunities of data donation

Authors: Dario Pizzul, Alessandro Caliandro

Abstract

Social science research with digital data faces ethical and technical challenges, often intensified by Research Ethics Committees (RECs). While RECs provide oversight, their criteria – rooted in medical fields – may not align with social research, especially in qualitative studies. This paper introduces the concept of a “digital data double standard,” highlighting how private platforms exploit vast user data while researchers face strict access limitations. In the post-API era, alternative methods like scraping and tracking are explored, with “data donation” emerging as a promising solution. This approach allows users to voluntarily share their digital traces, balancing ethical compliance and research needs. By embracing data donation, RECs could better sup-port digital social research, addressing the growing gap between corporate data use and academic inquiry.

Keywords: Data donation, digital methods, research ethics committees

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13131/unipi/dx59-1n53

Notes on contributors

DARIO PIZZUL is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pavia, working mainly on digital technology use among older adults. He holds a PhD from the University of Milan – Bicocca. In recent years, he has also been focusing on digital inequalities in Europe, surveillance capitalism, and digital contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Email: dario.pizzul@unipv.it
ALESSANDRO CALIANDRO is Associate Professor in Sociology of Culture and Communication at the Department of Political and Social Sciences at the University of Milano. His current research focuses on digital methods, digital consumer culture, platformization of culture, surveillance capitalism, aging, and digital media.
Email: alessandro.caliandro@unimi.it