Information as collected within surveys (either samples or censuses) is
often needed for fine analysis and model building. This brings enormous flexibility in the use
of the data and in the production of tabulated results according to users’
requests. This also allows for better
use and more thorough analysis of collected statistical data, increasing the
benefits of the data collection, making better use of public money, and
consequently lowering the burden on statistical respondents. The statistical data being collected is known
as Microdata.
Microdata is constructed from a set of records, where each record
represents a data provider’s response(s) to questions included in a particular
survey. Data providers range from
individual respondents, households, or undertakings, depending on the type of
survey being carried out. A microdata
file is therefore created by coding and electronically recording each survey
respondent’s responses to all relevant questions.
Despite the importance of microdata
sets to satisfy the needs of researchers and the changing nature of research
itself, the right to privacy and the protection of a person, household, or
undertaking in the context of confidential data processing is protected at law. Statistical
confidentiality primarily aims at safeguarding privacy in the field of
statistics and is a key to the necessary trust that has to be maintained
between statistical bodies and data providers.
Statistical confidentiality refers to the protection of individuals’ and
organisations’ information to ensure that identifiable information about a
person, household, or undertaking is not made available or disclosed to
unauthorised individuals or entities. Confidential data is usually characterised by having some sensitivity
and value, and not being readily available from alternatives sources.
In this regard, a balance between minimising
the risk of identification of statistical units, and the need for information
of society is sought. Microdata is
processed by means of tailored statistical tools developed for the purpose of statistical
disclosure control, thereby minimising the risk of identification of
statistical units.
At the National Statistics Office
(NSO), microdata access is only granted under strict conditions to a selected
number of institutions or persons accredited as research entities or researchers
respectively. These concepts are described in detail below.
Recognition as
‘Research Entity’ or ‘Researcher’
At the NSO, access
to anonymised microdata is only granted to research
entities or researchers for use
in research projects. These terms are defined below:
A recognised research entity or researcher
is able to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Director General of the NSO,
that it/she/he:
1) Has
the appropriate knowledge and experience necessary for handling potentially
identifiable information;
2) Has
provided satisfactory evidence supporting the application that illustrates
professionalism and technical competence to carry out the research proposal;
3) Demonstrates a commitment to protecting
and maintaining the confidentiality of the data during the creation of outputs
and publications that arise during the proposal.
A research project serves, in the opinion of the Director General
of the NSO, one of the following public benefits:
1) Supports
the formulation and development of public policy or public service delivery;
2) Carries
out research which will significantly benefit the Maltese economy, society or
quality of life of people in Malta;
3) Supports
an obligation of public law (e.g. Local Development Plans);
4)
Explores new statistical methods that
can be used to produce statistics that serve the public good;
5)
Replicates, validates or challenges
existing research.
Under no circumstance will access to anonymised
microdata be granted to research entities or researchers whose main purpose of
conducting the research project is for general information and/or commercial
activity; and/or if alternative data sources are available.
Recognition as a research entity or researcher is
limited to the stipulated time period and for the purposes of the particular
research project.
What should I
do to access anonymised microdata?
Step 1
You first need to contact NSO to explain the purpose of your statistical research and justify your need for microdata. To do so you must fill in the application form below and specify the characteristics of your research study as well as the type of confidential data being requested. You will need to sign a declaration form and return it to the Office either by email to nso@gov.mt or by post at the following address: Communication and Dissemination Unit , National Statistics Office, Lascaris Valletta VLT 2000.
Step 2
After we receive your
application form, it will be evaluated.
Step 3
NSO will notify you of the
outcome of its decision. If access to anonymised
microdata is denied, then the reasons will be included in a letter. If your request will be considered
favourably, you will receive a formal contract agreement explaining your
responsibilities for the security of that information.
NSO aims to process
applications to be accredited as a Research entity or Researcher as quickly as
possible, usually, within three weeks of submission of the application form.
Step 4
Once the contract agreement
is agreed upon and signed by the Research Entity or Researcher and the NSO,
access to anonymised microdata will be granted subject to the terms of
reference included in the application form and contract agreement.
Access is normally granted for a
definite period which is specified in the agreement.
Anonymised Microdata Application Form 
