Project description: Developed by the Data Donation Lab at the University of Zurich, the Data Donation Module (DDM) is an open-source tool that enables researchers to collect digital trace data directly from participants in a secure and privacy-conscious way. At the Digital Media Lab, we are working to implement the DDM to support research on digital media use, platform algorithms, and online behavior. The module allows participants to voluntarily donate selected data from their social media accounts or browsers, making it possible to study digital practices that are otherwise difficult to access due to platform restrictions. The framework emphasizes transparency, informed consent, and data minimization, aligning with our commitment to ethical and innovative research methods.
Status: We are currently examining and planning how to set up a dedicated server to run the Data Donation Module, which will enable us to host and manage future data donation projects at the lab.
Contact: Leif Hemming Pedersen