Restricted Datasets

The purpose of this guide is to provide guidance for UTSA users on how to access restricted-use datasets from the federal agencies and other secondary sources available through UTSA subscriptions and institutional memberships. 

Restricted data is information that is not publicly released due to potential risks to individuals or entities, or legal and contractual requirements. Restricted data often contains sensitive information including personal identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), or proprietary, confidential, or classified information.

Access to restricted data requires acceptance of special conditions which varies across different providers. Examples include:

• Signing a restricted data use agreement that outlines limitations on data use, storage, sharing, or publishing
• Submitting a research project application for approval
• Using a designated secure physical location to work with data
• Obtaining a special sworn status, and more