Data Use Agreement Framework
A framework for datasets for which JMNS itself may explicitly manage restricted or controlled access in the future.
It does not apply automatically to the Verified Dataset Library.
The JMNS Verified Dataset Library primarily points researchers to datasets held by authoritative external repositories. Searching, viewing or following a JMNS dataset record does not create a contract with JMNS and does not substitute for the licence or Data Use Agreement of the source repository.
A JMNS Data Use Agreement would apply only when a specific dataset or service clearly states, before access, that JMNS controls the relevant access process and requires acceptance of defined terms. If no such statement appears, the authoritative repository terms govern access and reuse.
Relationship to repository terms
A JMNS agreement cannot expand rights granted by a repository licence or waive restrictions imposed by consent, ethics approval, law or another binding data agreement. Where multiple conditions apply, researchers must satisfy all applicable requirements.
Permitted purpose
When a JMNS agreement is explicitly required, access may be limited to the approved scientific, educational or methodological purpose described in the agreement. Material changes in purpose, research team or data handling may require updated authorization.
Confidentiality & re-identification
Users must protect confidential and potentially identifying information and must not attempt to identify, re-identify or contact participants unless the governing consent, ethics approval and access terms expressly permit it.
Credentials, access tokens and non-public files must not be shared with unauthorized individuals. Collaborators requiring access should follow the access route specified for the dataset.
Storage, security & incident reporting
Restricted data must be stored and processed using safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information and to the requirements specified in the agreement. Users should promptly report suspected unauthorized access, disclosure, loss or other material security incidents through the contact route stated for the dataset.
Redistribution & derived materials
Source files may not be redistributed when the governing licence or agreement prohibits redistribution. Derived data, figures, models and other outputs may be shared only to the extent permitted by the original terms and after appropriate protection against disclosure of participant-level information.
Citation & provenance
Publications and other scholarly outputs should identify and cite the source dataset using its persistent identifier and exact version or release when available. The associated primary publication or dataset documentation should also be cited when required or scientifically relevant.
Dataset access does not itself confer authorship. Authorship should reflect substantive scholarly contribution under the journal or discipline's applicable authorship standards.
Publication venue
A JMNS Data Use Agreement does not require resulting manuscripts to be submitted first, or exclusively, to JMNS. Researchers may choose an appropriate publication venue unless a separate authoritative third-party term lawfully governing the dataset states otherwise.
Non-compliance & termination
If JMNS directly controls access under an explicit agreement, material non-compliance may lead to suspension or termination of that JMNS-controlled access and to other actions required by contractual, ethical, institutional or legal obligations. This does not give JMNS authority over access controlled by an independent repository.
For datasets discovered through the current JMNS Verified Dataset Library, open the authoritative repository and follow its current licence and access terms.