Handling Sensitive Data in Non-Profit Research: Ethical Principles and Practical Strategies
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-vz-imp-dt-cm-str-06
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About the Article
This article examines ethical principles and practical strategies for handling sensitive data in non-profit research. It highlights categories of sensitive information—including personal identifiers, health records, financial data, and culturally sensitive information—and emphasizes the ethical principle of data minimization. Technical, administrative, and physical safeguards, such as encryption, access controls, anonymization, and secure storage, are discussed. Special attention is given to affordable strategies suitable for resource-limited contexts, demonstrating that ethical and effective data protection is achievable without advanced infrastructure. By embedding rigorous data-handling practices, non-profits can maintain participant trust, uphold dignity, and ensure research integrity while generating socially valuable knowledge.
Key Topics
- Sensitive data management
- Data minimization and ethical collection
- Encryption and secure storage
- Anonymization and pseudonymization
- Resource-limited strategies for data protection
- Non-profit research ethics
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Handling Sensitive Data in Non-Profit Research: Ethical Principles and Practical Strategies. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-vz-imp-dt-cm-str-tp-06
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