About the Data Seal of Approval (DSA)

The Data Seal of Approval ensures that research data can still be processed in the future by establishing quality guidelines. 
There are five criteria that together determine whether or not the digital research data may be qualified as sustainably archived:

1. The research data can be found on the Internet.
2. The research data are accessible, while taking into account relevant legislation with regard to personal information and intellectual property of the data.
3. The research data are available in a usable format.
4. The research data are reliable.
5. The research data can be referred to.

In addition, there are three groups that must use the data responsibly"

1. The data producer is responsible for the quality of the digital research data.
2. The data repository is responsible for the quality of storage and availability of the data: data management.
3. The data consumer is responsible for the quality of use of the digital research data.

The seal shows that the data archive or repository is in compliance with the sixteen DSA guidelines:

1. The data producer deposits the research data in a data repository with sufficient information for others to assess the scientific and scholarly quality of the research data and compliance with disciplinary and ethical norms.
2. The data producer provides the research data together with the metadata requested by the data repository.
3. The data repository has an explicit mission in the area of digital archiving and promulgates it.
4. The data repository uses due diligence to ensure compliance with legal regulations and contracts.
5. The data repository applies documented processes and procedures for managing data storage.
6. The data repository has a plan for long-term preservation of its digital assets.
7. Archiving takes place according to explicit workflows across the data life cycle.
8. The data repository assumes responsibility from the data producers for access to and availability of the digital objects.
9. The data repository enables the users to utilize the research data and refer to them.
10. The data repository ensures the integrity of the digital objects and the metadata.
11. The data repository ensures the authenticity of the digital objects and the metadata.
12. The technical infrastructure explicitly supports the tasks and functions described in internationally accepted archival standards like OAIS.
13. The data consumer must comply with access regulations set by the data repository.
14. The data consumer conforms to and agrees with any codes of conduct that are generally accepted in higher education and research for the exchange and proper use of knowledge and information.
15. The data consumer respects the applicable licences of the data repository regarding the use of the research data.
16. The data producer provides the research data in formats recommended by the data repository.