Confidential Data

Confidential Data refers to information whose unauthorized disclosure could have a serious adverse effect on Temple University’s reputation, resources, services, or individuals. This includes data governed by international, federal, or state regulations—such as HIPAA, FERPA, and GDPR—as well as data that is proprietary, ethically sensitive, or involves personal privacy.

At Temple, confidential data is commonly encountered in research involving human subjects, health records, student information, or protected intellectual property. All individuals handling this type of data are expected to follow university policies and applicable laws to ensure it remains secure. Please review the sections below for guidance on how to properly handle, store, and share confidential data in your research activities.