About the Digital Economy Act (DEA)

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 are 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 has been 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 aligns with the requirements of the DEA and support faster approvals through a single panel decision. It also uses 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 have replaced 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.  

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.