Finding a Way Forward: How to Create a Strong Legal Framework for Data Integration

Finding a Way Forward: How to Create a Strong Legal Framework for Data Integration was created by Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP) to support the essential and challenging work of exchanging, linking, and using data across government agencies. Cross-sector data sharing and integration has become more routine and commonplace, and for good reason. When governments and their partners bring together data safely and responsibly, policymakers and practitioners are better equipped to:

• Understand the complex needs of individuals and families

• Allocate resources where they’re needed most to improve services

• Measure impacts of policies and programs holistically

• Engage in transparent, shared decision-making about how data should (and should not) be used

• Institutionalize regulatory compliance

Data sharing and integration is also not without risks, and clear legal frameworks are essential to mitigate those risks, protect privacy, and guide responsible data use. Designing the appropriate legal framework for the context can be a complex task and a test of endurance. This resource was created to frame out key considerations and provide effective practices for agencies working to “find a way forward” to share and integrate data.