About the Digital Economy Act (DEA)

Understanding the Digital Economy Act 2017 and what it means for researchers who want to access public sector data in Scotland.

What is the Digital Economy Act (DEA)? 

The Digital Economy Act 2017 (DEA) is UK legislation that provides a legal gateway for public authorities to share data for research and statistical purposes. It establishes a robust framework for the secure, ethical, and lawful use of public sector data in scientific research.

Under the DEA, data can be shared with Accredited Researchers through Accredited Processors and Trusted Research Environments (TREs), with oversight from the UK Statistics Authority. 

Why is Research Data Scotland adopting the DEA?

Research Data Scotland (RDS) is aligning with the DEA from 30 October 2025, to simplify and accelerate access to public sector data for research while maintaining the highest standards of privacy, security, and public trust. This move supports the Scottish Government’s ambitions to: 

enable timely, impactful research that improves public services and policy
reduce the administrative burden on researchers and data owners 
align Scotland’s data access processes with UK-wide best practices

By adopting the DEA, RDS can offer a single, streamlined approval pathway through the Researcher Access Service (RAS), replacing multiple, overlapping panel processes. 

What are the benefits?

For researchers

Faster access: application timelines are expected to be significantly reduced.
Simplified process: one digital application, one panel, one licence.
More data, more insight: easier access to linked datasets across sectors and UK nations.

For data owners

Retain control: data owners remain the decision-makers on whether their data is used.
Reduced burden: a single panel and standardised process reduce the need for repeated reviews.
Legal assurance: the DEA provides statutory protections and criminal penalties for misuse.

For the public

Better outcomes: research leads to improved services and policies. 
Stronger safeguards: data is anonymised and protected by law. 
Transparency: all approved projects are published in the RDS Data Use Register.

What does this mean in practice for researchers?

Researchers using the RAS under the DEA framework will need to: 

Become accredited researchers through the UK Statistics Authority.
Adhere to the DEA Research Code of Practice and the UKSA Data Ethics Principles.
Use anonymised data: No personal data is accessed; therefore, no Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) or lawful basis assessments are required.
Engage with the Public Impact Advisory Group (PIAG) to ensure public benefit and transparency.
Sign a Project Data User Licence, not a Data Sharing Agreement.

As part of the new process, researchers will be presented with a new online DEA-compliant application form (from 30 October 2025). This form is being designed to streamline the application experience, reduce administrative burden, and ensure that all necessary information is captured in a consistent and efficient way.

The new form will align with the requirements of the DEA and support faster approvals through the RAS Panel. It will also use a standardised set of questions which are aligned to data access approvals processes around the UK, including the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 

Additionally, for projects using anonymised data under the DEA, the UKSA Data Ethics Principles will replace the need for submitting Research Ethics Committee (REC) approval. This shift reflects the fact that the data being used will be anonymised in line with ICO guidance and will not involve decisions or interventions related to individuals - while still ensuring that ethical standards are upheld. 
 
Importantly, when the Research Code of Practice and Accreditation criteria conditions are met, the UK Research Accreditation Panel (UK RAP) will issue Research Accreditation for the project. This ensures that the research is conducted under a nationally recognised, legally compliant framework. 

When will the changes take effect?

The new DEA-aligned pathway will come into effect on 30 October 2025. Researchers are encouraged to begin preparing now by applying for Accredited Researcher status.

What support is available?

RDS offers comprehensive support to researchers, including: 

a fully digital application portal
online guidance and metadata catalogue 
feasibility assessments by the eDRIS team 
help from the Public Impact Advisory Group
access to the National Safe Haven, a DEA-accredited Trusted Research Environment

For more information, see Researcher Access Service or contact us via our enquiry form. 