The ICC/ESOMAR International Code on Market, Opinion and Social Research and Data Analytics, which was developed jointly with the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce), sets out global standards for self-regulation for researchers and data analysts and is undersigned by all ESOMAR members.
This Guideline responds to those concerns by providing guidance on the operational requirements for the provision of online samples for market, opinion, and social research. It sets out methods to be used by online sample providers, buyers, and end clients to ensure that a sample meets widely accepted quality criteria. It is recommended reading for all stakeholders in the research process, from survey designers to data users.
The purpose of this document is to provide researchers, especially those working in smaller organisations that might not have extensive resources or experience in data protection requirements, with general guidance on their responsibilities within a global data protection framework to ensure that research participants retain control over their personal information. The specific framework used was developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This framework includes a set of eight principles for use in designing programs to ensure privacy and protect personal data: Collection limitation, Data quality, Purpose specification, Use limitation, Security safeguards, Openness, Individual participation, Accountability. These broad principles are reflected in most existing and emerging privacy and data protection laws worldwide.