Repository policies

The commitments we make about keeping data, and the narrow circumstances in which we remove it.

Last updated: 12 May 2026

1. Preservation

Every published dataset is held in at least three copies across at least two countries. Fixity is verified monthly against stored checksums, and any mismatch triggers repair from a good copy and an investigation.

Our commitment is 25 years from publication, funded through the national research infrastructure programme and institutional membership. This commitment attaches to the dataset and survives a depositing institution leaving.

2. Versioning

Datasets are versioned. A new version gets its own DOI and the concept DOI always resolves to the latest. Previous versions remain downloadable and citable; we do not silently replace files.

3. Withdrawal and takedown

Published data is not deleted on request. Where there is a legal obligation, a serious ethical breach, or personal data published in error, the files are withdrawn and replaced by a tombstone record that keeps the DOI resolvable and states the reason.

Takedown requests are reviewed by two curators and, where contested, by the repository's advisory board. Aggregate takedown statistics are published annually.

4. Access and embargo

Open datasets require no account and no click-through. Embargoes last up to 24 months, after which files become open automatically. Restricted datasets need a named contact who commits to answering requests within 30 days.

5. Succession

If the repository ceases operation, the collection transfers to the national library under a standing agreement, with funding for the remainder of the preservation commitment held in a restricted reserve.

6. Acceptable content

Research data and its documentation. Not software releases without associated data, not personal backups, and not material whose distribution would breach the rights of others or the consent under which it was collected.