Chapter five describes the ethical framework regulating research using linked data and examines the applicable international ethics guidelines. A hypothetical research project is used to compare how these guidelines address the ethical assessment of research using linked data and in particular to compare how they address a waiver of consent and the extent to which they consider collective interests. The chapter goes on to discuss how the core ethical values of research merit and integrity, justice, beneficence, and respect can be reinterpreted to encompass the ethical concerns raised by research using linked data.

Chapter five describes the ethical framework regulating research using linked data and examines the applicable international ethics guidelines. A hypothetical research project is used to compare how these guidelines address the ethical assessment of research using linked data and in particular to compare how they address a waiver of consent and the extent to which they consider collective interests. The chapter goes on to discuss how the core ethical values of research merit and integrity, justice, beneficence, and respect can be reinterpreted to encompass the ethical concerns raised by research using linked data.