Dragnet Data Protection: Scalable Techno-legal Infrastructures for Research and Education

This project will design practical, ethical, and legal ways for universities to collect and use large datasets—often gathered by automated “dragnet” methods—for research and teaching.

This project will design practical, ethical, and legal ways for universities to collect and use large datasets—often gathered by automated “dragnet” methods—for research and teaching. By bringing together experts in law, computer science, and data protection, the team will create shared tools and clear guidance to help researchers use data responsibly, reduce administrative barriers, and protect individuals’ rights. The work will support innovation while ensuring public trust, helping UCL and other universities lead in responsible data use, and shaping national and international policy on data, AI, and research ethics.