SOMAR Data Access Application Guide
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in applying for access to SOMAR’s Data!
This guide will help you complete SOMAR's application forms and prepare the required documentation for upload. Please carefully review this guide, and if you haven’t already, we recommend viewing the publicly available resources listed in the sections below for specific datasets you are interested in accessing.
Please use the sidebar on the right side of this page for easier navigation.
When ready, please return to SOMAR’s Data Access Applications Portal (SOMAR-APPLY) and select the dataset you wish to access to begin.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please complete the application form in one sitting. SOMAR is working to enhance the forms so progress can be saved prior to submission.
This guide is a living document and will be updated as needed for easier navigation and more clarity in the information provided.
Feel free to reach out to somar-help@umich.edu if you have any questions about the applications!
Table of Contents
- 1 SOMAR Data Access Methods and Requirements
- 2 Resources for Data from Meta
- 3 Application Forms
- 3.1 SOMAR Data Access Application
- 3.1.1 Project Application Fields
- 3.1.2 Researcher Contact Details
- 3.1.2.1 Applicant Details
- 3.1.2.2 Lead Researcher Details
- 3.1.2.3 Collaborator Details
- 3.1.2.4 Additional Contacts
- 3.1.3 Research Project Information
- 3.1.4 Additional requirements for data access in the VDE
- 3.1.5 Required Questions for Virtual Enclave Onboarding
- 3.1.6 Contracts
- 3.1.7 Restricted Data Use Agreement with ICPSR
- 3.1.8 Ethics Committee or Institutional Review Board (IRB) documentation
- 3.1.9 Applicant Acknowledgement (Meta Content Library and Ad Targeting Dataset)
- 3.1.10 Applicant Acknowledgement (U.S. 2020 Facebook and Instagram Election Study)
- 3.1.11 ICPSR Terms of Use (Datasets available via Controlled Download)
- 3.1.12 Additional Documents
- 3.1 SOMAR Data Access Application
- 4 Application Review
SOMAR Data Access Methods and Requirements
Data at SOMAR that require applications typically are available via one of two access methods. Researchers interested in exploring and using SOMAR data are encouraged to review the access methods and requirements defined below to understand the requirements to access a data file. Please reach out to somar-help@umich.edu for any questions.
Virtual Data Enclave (VDE) - data access only available in a secure virtual environment
Some SOMAR datasets have highly sensitive or identifiable information or usage restrictions. These datasets are only available in our Virtual Data Enclave (VDE). VDE datasets are noted in the “Dataset required for research” section. One example of datasets available in the VDE is the U.S. 2020 Facebook and Instagram Election Study Collection.
Accounts needed
Jira account (sign-up required; it's free)
Application requirements
Full application - All required items must be completed and provided, including IRB or Ethics Committee Review documentation, Restricted Data Use Agreement (RDUA), CVs or resumes, etc.
Controlled Download - data download available via a secure link
Some SOMAR datasets may cover sensitive topics or have usage restrictions. These datasets require an application and agreement to follow ICPSR’s Terms of Use. However, these datasets can be used in a researcher’s own computing environment. After your application is approved, we will send you a link to download the dataset. Controlled Download datasets are noted in the “Dataset required for research” section. One example of datasets available via Controlled Download is State of Social Connections Study.
Accounts needed
Jira account (sign-up required; it's free)
Application requirements
Short application - the following items are not always required: RDUA, IRB or Ethics Committee Review documentation, confidential/sensitive data experience, ethical guidelines, coding/technical experience
Agreement to Terms of Use in the Application
Researchers applying to access Controlled Download data must agree to Standard Terms of Use from ICPSR
Resources for Data from Meta
Meta has partnered with the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) at the University of Michigan to share public data from Meta’s platforms in a responsible, privacy-preserving way. This partnership is enabled through ICPSR’s industry-leading SOMAR initiative.
Meta Content Library and Content Library API
If you haven't already, we recommend reviewing the Meta Transparency Center webpages and exploring detailed documentation to learn more about the features, search quality, and data available in Meta Content Library and Content Library API.
Meta Content Library User Interface (UI) is hosted by Meta Platforms. Content Library API is hosted within SOMAR’s secure Virtual Data Enclave (“VDE”). Researchers will use the virtual data enclave to access and analyze public data from the API. Content Library UI can be used separately or in conjunction with Content Library API.
Content Library UI and Content Library API have different application requirements. If you are applying for access to the UI only, you will fill out the first part of the application. If you would also like to apply for access to the API, you will be prompted to answer another set of questions based on API application requirements. These additional application requirements for Content Library API include:
A brief technical skills questionnaire
Evidence of responsible experience or use of sensitive or restricted data
Preferred programming languages
Preferred statistical software for quantitative data analysis
Restricted Data Use Agreement between ICPSR and your institution, which must be executed before you are granted access to SOMAR's VDE. Navigate to the related section below to learn more about this item.
Please note that applications may be submitted without a Data Use Agreement, with the option to upload the documents later in the process. This will help expedite the application process for earlier UI access, while you and your team work on the additional documentation for API access.
Ad Targeting Dataset
Please carefully review this guide and if you haven't already, we recommend reviewing the Meta Transparency Center and exploring detailed documentation to learn more about the dataset.
The Ad Targeting dataset contains the ad targeting logic of all of the Social Issue, Electoral, and Political (SIEP) ads run beginning August 3, 2020, on the Facebook and Instagram platforms. The coverage includes all countries where we currently have our ad authorizations and disclaimer tools available. More information on the countries this includes is available in our Business Help Center.
Application Forms
SOMAR’s Data Access Application portal enables us to collect information about your research project and your credentials, thus helping us better understand how we can support your research and data analysis.
There are two forms:
SOMAR Data Access Application
Lead Researchers or Applicants should use this form to submit requests for access to data from the Social Media Archive (SOMAR)
Collaborator Request
Lead Researchers, Applicants, or Collaborators should use this form to submit requests to add collaborators that require access to data from the Social Media Archive (SOMAR).
Note: Most fields are required, indicated with an asterisk *
SOMAR Data Access Application
Project Application Fields
The fields listed below capture information that helps SOMAR staff to record and track applications as well as easily identify a point person for each application.
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
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All datasets | Dataset required for research* | This is a cascading drop-down menu question.
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U.S. 2020 Facebook and Instagram Election Study | Since you selected the U.S. 2020 Facebook and Instagram Election Study, please select the files you need for your research project. | This is a multi-select dropdown question. Please select all of the datasets you need for your research. |
Researcher Contact Details
This application requires information that helps SOMAR staff to record and track applications as well as easily identify a point person for each application. The roles in this application form are the following:
Applicant: Individual filling out the application who will serve as the main point of contact for the lead researcher and/or research team and manage this application. The applicant can be the same person as the Lead Researcher, an administrator or member of the research team.
Lead Researcher: Individual leading the proposed research project or larger research agenda/initiative that requires access to Meta Content Library UI and/or API. If the research project or research agenda is team-based, the Lead Researcher will be the Principal Investigator, Lead Investigator, or Research Lead, or equivalent in your organization (e.g. Social Media Monitor). In some instances, the applicant and the Lead Researcher will be the same individual.
Institutional signatory: Individuals at the Lead Researcher’s affiliated institution who holds the authority to enter into legal agreements and sign contracts on the institution’s behalf. Signatories typically work in a department such as the Contracts Office, Office of Sponsored Research, Research Contracts Management office, etc. The institutional signatory will have to sign the restricted data agreement(s) associated with this application. The institutional signatory will only be required if you are applying for access to the API or if the individual clickthrough agreement for Content Library UI access is not appropriate for your institution.
Collaborators: Anyone other than the Lead Researcher who has access to the data or handles the data in any capacity. If any computing staff, data librarian, research assistants (including students), or general staff will be handling the data, they must be included in this application as collaborators. Depending on institutional requirements, collaborators may be required to be officially affiliated with the Lead Researcher's institution. Please reach out to somar-help@umich.edu for any questions.
Applicant Details
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
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All Datasets | First name of Applicant* |
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Last name of Applicant* |
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Institutional email of Applicant* | The Applicant's email address must show their institutional affiliation. |
Lead Researcher Details
The fields listed below gather high-level information about the Lead Researcher, their institution, and their experience. It is important that the information provided for these fields is as current and accurate as possible, as it helps to keep SOMAR’s application reviews efficient.
Lead Researcher is the individual leading the proposed research project or larger research agenda/initiative that requires access to the dataset selected for research. If the research project or research agenda is team-based, the Lead Researcher will be the Principal Investigator, Lead Investigator, Research Lead, or equivalent in your organization (e.g. Social Media Monitor). In some instances, the applicant and the Lead Researcher will be the same individual.
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
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All Datasets | First name of Lead Researcher* |
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All Datasets | Last name of Lead Researcher* |
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All Datasets | Institutional email of Lead Researcher* | The Lead Researcher's email address must show their institutional affiliation. NOTE: Personal email addresses, such as @gmail.com, are not permitted. |
All Datasets | Primary discipline or professional area of expertise* |
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| Highest degree earned* | Please name the highest degree earned by the Lead Researcher. NOTE: Lead Researchers must hold a terminal degree (e.g., PhD, MD, DrPh, or JD) to access data the VDE. |
| Highest degree earned* | Please name the highest degree earned by the Lead Researcher (e.g., PhD, MD, DrPh, JD, MA, MS, MPH, BA, etc.) NOTE: this information is collected for demographic purposes; no particular degree is required to access Ad Targeting or Meta Content Library UI or API. |
All Datasets | Affiliational profile URL (organization, research, or academia) | The Lead Researcher is required to provide a personal profile showcasing their current affiliation with their organization. Please include a link to any of the following: an active institutional profile or biography, organizational website with directory or staff list, ORCID or ResearchGate profile, or a webpage for their research group, lab, or department. If providing these links is not feasible, other documentation may be submitted at the end of the application to verify the researcher’s affiliation. NOTE: LinkedIn profiles, GitHub Pages, or personal websites are not permitted. |
| Facebook Profile URL | Please provide the URL of the Lead Researcher's publicly accessible personal Facebook profile page. If they do not have a Facebook profile, they will need to create one to obtain access to the tools. Organizational profiles or business Pages are not allowed. |
All Datasets | Institution name* | The Lead Researcher must be currently affiliated with the institution provided in this field.
Lead Researchers must either be affiliated with an academic institution or other non-university organization, institute or society which operates as a not-for-profit entity and holds scientific or public interest research as a primary purpose or core activity. Researchers from different disciplinary and professional backgrounds are welcome to apply. |
All Datasets | Type of Institution* |
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All Datasets | Country of institution (ISO Code)* | Please provide the 3-letter ISO country code for your institution (e.g., USA, CHN, AUS). To find the correct code, use the following link and search for your country’s 3-letter code: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#search/code/. |
All Datasets | State/Province of institution* | Please provide the full name of the state or province of the affiliated institution. |
All Datasets | City of institution* | Please provide the full name of the city of the affiliated institution. |
All Datasets | Department name* | If your institution does not have a department, please add “N/A’ |
All Datasets | Institute, center, or lab name* | If you do not have anything to report, please add "N/A". |
All Datasets | Role at institution* | Applicants will choose one answer from the following options:
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All Datasets | Lead Researcher's resume or curriculum vitae* | Please upload the Lead Researcher's resume or curriculum vitae in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word. |
Collaborator Details
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
---|---|---|
All Datasets | Are there any collaborators that need access to the requested data for this research project?*
| Please select 'Yes' only if your collaborators will perform any type of analysis or data management activities. It is important to note that only individuals who need to perform any data analysis or directly interact with the data can be added as collaborators. |
Collaborators can be added at any time after the Lead Researcher’s application has been submitted.
A separate form must be completed for each collaborator. The following information is required:
Lead Researcher’s application ID (SOMARAPPLY-####)
Research project title
Lead Researcher’s last name and email address
To add collaborators, use the Collaborator Addition Request Form. The questions on this form can be found in this document.
Note: If the Project Application references a collaborator’s experience to meet eligibility or expertise requirements, that collaborator must complete the Collaborator Addition Request form for the application to proceed. Until the form is submitted, we cannot consider their qualifications in the review process of the Project Application, and the application will be placed on hold.
Additional Contacts
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
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All Datasets | Additional Email Addresses for Notifications | Provide the email addresses of anyone who should receive updates about this application. These individuals will receive the same notifications as the Applicant or Lead Researcher. Use commas to separate multiple addresses (e.g., john.doe@university.edu, jane.smith@university.edu).
Individuals such as Lead Researcher’s institutional signatory can be included in the application notifications if needed. |
Research Project Information
These items collect information about the Lead Researcher’s research project or agenda, including the summary and why the data are needed. We encourage applicants to provide as much relevant information as needed about their research. If necessary, applicants are welcome to upload additional supporting documentation about the research project or the researcher’s experience later in the application form.
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
All Datasets | Research Project Title* | Please provide your project title or a brief, 1-2 sentence overview of your research agenda. *Examples could include “investigate public health discourse on social media,” “study social media content related to upcoming presidential elections,” etc. |
| Will your research contribute to the detection, identification, and understanding of systemic risks in the European Union?* | Please select “Yes” or “No”. |
All Datasets | Research project summary* | In 250 words or less (up to 1750 characters), describe your research agenda or plans for a non-specialist audience. Your research agenda can include longer term or ongoing research that you and your team are conducting. Please be sure to address: your general area of focus, guiding research questions, methodologies, as well as any endpoints, data types, or data fields of interest. If you haven't already, please consult the publicly available documentation about the data before you begin your application. |
All Datasets | Keywords associated with research* | List the keywords associated with the research project. Please separate the keywords with commas. |
All Datasets | Funding source(s)* | List the funding sources that will support the Lead Researcher's data analysis. Please separate the funding items with commas. You may enter "N/A" if there are none. |
All Datasets | Justification for why requested data are required for your research activities.* | (250 words or less) Please briefly explain why the data you are applying to obtain access are required for your research activities. |
All Datasets | Research outcomes* | Please select the intended outcome(s) of your research project.
One or more answers from the following options may be selected:
|
| Research region of interest* | Please select the region of interest from the drop-down menu as applicable to the research project. |
| Primary research country (or countries) of interest* | Please select the country of interest from the drop-down menu as applicable to the research project. |
Additional requirements for data access in the VDE
These items collect additional information about the Lead Researcher and research project to be reviewed for access to the data in the Virtual Data Enclave (e.g., Meta Content Library API). If necessary, applicants are welcome to upload additional supporting documentation about the research project or the researcher’s experience later in the application form.
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
| Including any education, the total number of years of coding experience*
| Information about the Lead Researcher's coding experience is necessary to inform SOMAR how best to assist researchers for VDE access. Please provide details in these next few questions. Coding experience can come from using Python, R, Java, C++, and so on.
Applicants will choose one answer from the following options:
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Preferred programming languages* | Please select your preferred programming languages. | |
Preferred statistical software for quantitative data analysis* | Please select your preferred statistical software for quantitative data analysis. | |
Evidence of technical skills of Lead Researcher and/or collaborators* | Experience with Python, R, SQL, or another coding or querying language is recommended for VDE access. Explain your experience with a coding or querying language here, or applicants may provide evidence via a link to a GitHub repository or other location where code examples have been shared. Access to the VDE is not dependent on experience with coding. This field is to help SOMAR know how to best support researchers. Note: If the Project Application references a collaborator’s experience to meet eligibility or expertise requirements, that collaborator must complete the Collaborator Addition Request form for the application to proceed. Until the form is submitted, we cannot consider their qualifications in the review process of the Project Application, and the application will be placed on hold. *The character limit is 5000. | |
Evidence of responsible experience or use of sensitive or restricted data*
| Evidence of responsible experience or understanding of sensitive or restricted-use datasets is required. Please provide up to 3 citations or examples of your research that demonstrate your experience or understanding of using sensitive data.
*The character limit is 5000. | |
Ethical guidelines to be used to guide research agenda* | Please 1) indicate the ethical guidelines you will use to guide your research project, and 2) describe how you plan to apply specific principles in practice. For example, you may refer to the AOIR Ethics, NeurIPS Code of Ethics, or Williams, Burlap, and Sloan (2017), but you must also describe how you adhere to the guidelines you selected. | |
I understand that these data are to be used solely for statistical analysis and reporting of aggregated information and not for the investigation of specific individuals or organizations.* | This field is required.
Please select “True” or “False” | |
I understand that I and any collaborator I include on my team must have the skill sets to use the data if granted access.* | This field is required.
Please select “True” or “False” |
Required Questions for Virtual Enclave Onboarding
Each person using the VDE must complete the following ICPSR VDE training as part of the application and onboarding process. Please take the following steps:
Watch the ICPSR VDE Training video (~7 minutes)
Please note that SOMAR’s VDE environment has some differences, but the VDE security information remains the same.
Complete the VDE Training Quiz (~1-2 minutes)
Although instructions in the confirmation of submission message ask researchers to email ICPSR that they completed the quiz, SOMAR does not need these messages. We will onboard researchers to the VDE after their applications have been approved and all requirements for data access in the VDE are met.
If you answered any quiz questions incorrectly, please rewatch the video.
Complete the questions directly below.
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
---|---|---|
| Do you currently have active credentials (example: uniqname) to access the SOMAR VDE?* | Please select “Yes” or “No”. Active credentials mean you can access the SOMAR VDE. |
Date of Birth (month/day/year)* | This field is required if you select “No” to the active VDE credentials question. | |
Phone Number (home/mobile)* | This field is required if you select “No” to the active VDE credentials question. Please enter your phone number using numbers only (no symbols, spaces, or letters). Include your country and area codes. For example: 441234567890 (UK) or 12125551234 (US). | |
As outlined in Steps 1 and 2 above, I have watched the VDE training video and passed the VDE training quiz.* | This field is required if you select “No” to the active VDE credentials question. Please select “Yes” or “No”. You will not be able to submit the application form unless you complete these steps and select “Yes”. |
Contracts
Important information about contracts with Meta
As part of the requirements for Meta research tools, each individual who will access the tool must accept a click-through agreement for the Product Terms. Once the application is approved, Meta will follow up with you and your team to share the click-through agreement and then instructions to access Meta Content Library UI or Meta Ad Targeting Dataset.
If the clickthrough agreement is not appropriate for your institution (e.g., if your institution does not allow employees to consent to click-through Product Terms), Meta offers the option for the institution to sign an Information Sharing Agreement (ISA) to govern access at an institution level. The executed ISA may apply to various research agendas, though new applications for new research proposals must be submitted.
If you are unsure whether your institution requires an ISA, consult your institution’s Contracts Office or Office of Sponsored Research. Also, if you have any questions about the ISA, please email MetaResearchApplications@meta.com.
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
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| Will your institution require an Information Sharing Agreement for access to Meta Content Library UI and/or Meta Ad Targeting Dataset? | Please select “Yes” or “No, the clickthrough agreement for the Product Terms will be sufficient.” |
Institutional signatory name* | Please provide the name of a legal authority at the affiliated institution that will sign the ISA associated with this application and act as a legal representative on the institution's behalf. This representative is typically responsible for research compliance and agreements, legal counsel, or an executive such as a President, Vice President, Dean (in certain non U.S. institutions), or department head (in certain non U.S. institutions). | |
Institutional signatory title*
| Please provide the title of the legal authority identified for this application. | |
Institutional signatory email address* | Please provide the email address for the legal authority identified for this application. |
Restricted Data Use Agreement with ICPSR
(also known as Data Use Agreement)
For access to the data in SOMAR's Virtual Data Enclave, the Restricted Data Agreement must be reviewed, signed, and dated by the Lead Researcher and their institutionʼs legal representative or signatory. The Restricted Data Use Agreement is an agreement between the University of Michigan and the Lead Researcherʼs institution, signed by both the Lead Researcher and an institutional signatory (i.e., legal representative) of the Lead Researcherʼs institution, which specifies the terms of use of the restricted data.
Please download the agreement document and upload the completed version in the form.
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
---|---|---|
| Upload Signed Restricted Data Agreement* | Please upload the signed agreement in PDF format. To access SOMAR's Virtual Data Enclave, the Restricted Data Agreement must be signed and dated by both the Lead Researcher and an Institutional Representative authorized to act on their institution’s behalf. This representative is typically responsible for research compliance and agreements, legal counsel, or an executive such as a President, Vice President, Dean (in certain non U.S. institutions), or department head (in certain non U.S. institutions). |
Institutional signatory name* | Please provide the name of the legal authority at the affiliated institution that will sign the restricted data agreement associated with this research project. | |
Institutional signatory title* | Please provide the title of the legal authority identified for this application (e.g., Vice President, Contracts Specialist, Chair, Dean, etc.). | |
Institutional signatory university email address* | Please provide the email address for the legal authority identified for this application. |
Ethics Committee or Institutional Review Board (IRB) documentation
*Note: This documentation is not required for Meta Content Library, Meta Ad Targeting Dataset, or datasets available via Controlled Download.
An Ethics Committee is responsible for ensuring that research is carried out in an ethical manner in accordance with national and international law.
Ethics Committees may also be known as an Institutional Review Board (IRB), Ethics Review Committee, Research Ethics Board, or Research Ethics Committee.
Applicants will need to work with their institutions' Ethics Committees to obtain documentation that verifies the research approved or exempt.
In the United States, an IRB is usually housed in the same institution if it is a college or university. However, if your institution does not have an IRB, it likely has a contract with an incorporated IRB. Please check this resource from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. to verify the incorporated IRB is accredited.
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
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| Upload Ethics Committee or IRB documentation | Please upload your institution's Ethics Committee or IRB Approval document in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word. The document you upload must prove that your institution's Ethics Committee or IRB approves or considers exempt your research. |
Applicant Acknowledgement (Meta Content Library and Ad Targeting Dataset)
Consent to share information with Meta
Note: This item applies only to researchers requesting to access Meta Content Library or Meta Ad Targeting Dataset.
Please note that when your application to use Meta Content Library or Meta Ad Targeting Dataset is approved by SOMAR, information from your application will be shared with Meta. Meta will use this data in accordance with Meta’s Privacy Policy, including to provide and improve the Meta Content Library and/or API products and Meta Ad Targeting Dataset.
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
---|---|---|
| I have read the notice above, and I understand that the information I provide in this application will be shared with Meta. | Lead Researchers must read the acknowledgement and respond "Yes." |
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Applicant Acknowledgement (U.S. 2020 Facebook and Instagram Election Study)
Note: This item applies only to researchers requesting to access U.S. 2020 Facebook and Instagram Election Study.
Consent to share information with Meta
Please note that when your application to use U.S. 2020 Facebook and Instagram Election Study data is approved by ICPSR, information from your application will be shared with Meta. The information we share includes:
Principal Investigator Information
Institution email
Full name
Dataset(s) requested
Collaborator Information
List of collaborators, names, and emails
Research Project Information
Project title
Research summary
We share this data with Meta in order to facilitate (1) onboarding to a restricted data environment and (2) user support.
ICPSR Terms of Use (Datasets available via Controlled Download)
Note: This item applies only to researchers requesting to access datasets available via Controlled Download.
Please read the terms of use below. If you agree to them, click on the "I Agree" button to proceed. If you do not agree, you can click on the "I Do Not Agree" button to return to the home page.
ICPSR adheres to the principles of the CoreTrustSeal Core Trustworthy Data Repositories Requirements, which, in part, require the data consumer to comply with access regulations and applicable licenses imposed both by law and by the data repository, and to conform to codes of conduct that are generally accepted in higher education and scientific research for the exchange and proper use of knowledge and information.
These data are distributed under the following terms of use, which are governed by ICPSR. By continuing past this point to the data retrieval process, you signify your agreement to comply with the requirements stated below:
Privacy of RESEARCH SUBJECTS
Any intentional identification of a RESEARCH SUBJECT (whether an individual or an organization) or unauthorized disclosure of his or her confidential information violates the PROMISE OF CONFIDENTIALITY given to the providers of the information. Therefore, users of data agree:
To use these datasets solely for research or statistical purposes and not for investigation of specific RESEARCH SUBJECTS, except when identification is authorized in writing by ICPSR (icpsr-help@umich.edu)
To make no use of the identity of any RESEARCH SUBJECT discovered inadvertently, and to advise ICPSR of any such discovery (icpsr-help@umich.edu)
Redistribution of Data
You agree not to redistribute data or other materials without the written agreement of ICPSR, unless:
You serve as the OFFICIAL or DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE at an ICPSR MEMBER INSTITUTION and are assisting AUTHORIZED USERS with obtaining data, or
You are collaborating with other AUTHORIZED USERS to analyze the data for research or instructional purposes.
When sharing data or other materials in these approved ways, you must include all accompanying files with the data, including terms of use. More information on permission to redistribute data can be found on the ICPSR Web site.
Citing Data
You agree to reference the recommended bibliographic citation in any publication that employs resources provided by ICPSR. Authors of publications based on ICPSR data are required to send citations of their published works to ICPSR for inclusion in a database of related publications (bibliography@icpsr.umich.edu) .
Disclaimer
You acknowledge that the original collector of the data, ICPSR, and the relevant funding agency bear no responsibility for use of the data or for interpretations or inferences based upon such uses.
Violations
If ICPSR determines that the terms of this agreement have been violated, ICPSR will act according to our policy on terms of use violations. Sanctions can include:
ICPSR may revoke the existing agreement, demand the return of the data in question, and deny all future access to ICPSR data.
The violation may be reported to the Research Integrity Officer, Institutional Review Board, or Human Subjects Review Committee of the user's institution. A range of sanctions are available to institutions including revocation of tenure and termination.
If the confidentiality of human subjects has been violated, the case may be reported to the Federal Office for Human Research Protections. This may result in an investigation of the user's institution, which can result in institution-wide sanctions including the suspension of all research grants.
A court may award the payment of damages to any individual(s)/organization(s) harmed by the breach of the agreement.
Definitions
authorized user - A faculty member, staff member, or student at a member institution
ICPSR - Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research
member institution - An institutional member of ICPSR
Official/Designated Representative - An individual appointed to represent a university's interests in ICPSR. This individual is also charged with providing user support to campus users.
promise of confidentiality - A promise to a respondent or research participant that the information the respondent provides will not be disseminated without the permission of the respondent; that the fact that the respondent participated in the study will not be disclosed; and that disseminated information will include no linkages to the identity of the respondent. Such a promise encompasses traditional notions of both confidentiality and anonymity. Names and other identifying information regarding respondents, proxies, or other persons on whom the respondent or proxy provides information, are presumed to be confidential.
research subject - A person or organization observed for purposes of research. Also called a respondent. A respondent is generally a survey respondent or informant, experimental or observational subject, focus group participant, or any other person providing information to a study or on whose behalf a proxy provides information.
Additional Documents
If more information seems to be needed, a field noted below is available. Please upload supporting document(s) in Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, or Excel. If more than one file will be uploaded, please combine the files in Adobe PDF or into a zipped package file.
Applicable Datasets | Fields/Questions | Notes for Applicants |
All Datasets | Need to provide more information? | SOMAR welcomes any additional documentation that may provide support for this application. Please upload supporting document(s) in Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, or Excel. If more than one file will be uploaded, please either combine in Adobe PDF or into a zipped package file. |
Application Review
After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email and a Jira message that your submission has been received. Submitted applications will be placed in a queue to be reviewed by SOMAR staff.
SOMAR staff will contact you within 4-6 weeks of submission with any questions, recommendations, or status updates for your application. We may request additional information before we can approve your access to the data. If you have any questions during the review process, please contact us at somar-help@umich.edu.