CORIT Ethical Statement
Introduction
The PRIN PNRR 2022 research project Countering Online Radicalization and Incivility in Italy: from Fringe to Mainstream – CORIT (Prot. P202293P5P), coordinated by the University of Urbino Carlo Bo (PI: Prof. Giovanni Boccia Artieri) and conducted in partnership with Sapienza University of Rome (Prof. Sara Bentivegna) and the University of Siena (Prof. Rossella Rega), investigates the role of alternative social media in spreading problematic content within the hybrid media system. To this end, it analyzes communication flows among mainstream social media, traditional media, and alternative social media. The latter are characterized by low levels of moderation, which may facilitate the dissemination of ethically controversial content. To protect researchers who might encounter such content and to safeguard the privacy of users on the analyzed platforms, the CORIT PRIN research project adheres to strict guidelines.
Data Collection and Privacy Protection
The CORIT PRIN research project employs computational, quantitative, and qualitative methods for data collection and analysis, complying with national and European data protection regulations (GDPR). It also follows recommendations from international scientific associations, including the guidelines of the Association of Internet Researchers (AoIR) outlined in the document “Internet Research: Ethical Guidelines 3.0” (https://aoir.org/reports/ethics3.pdf).
Data Collection
The project analyzes publicly accessible content. Data are collected through official APIs and authorized vendors, in compliance with the originating platforms’ restrictions, terms of service, privacy policies accepted by users upon registration, and applicable national and international regulations.
Scope of Analysis
The research examines social and communicative dynamics in digital environments. It does not perform individual profiling based on sensitive personal data but operates exclusively at an aggregated sociological level. Data are analyzed as provided and are not integrated with datasets that might contain identifying information or additional personal data about users.
Researcher Protection
The collected data may include ethically problematic content. Therefore, particular attention is given to ensuring the compatibility of research activities with the holistic well-being of researchers. Researchers can discuss arising difficulties both during scheduled meetings and on request. The research team takes the necessary steps to address and resolve any issues.
Data Storage and Sharing
To ensure cybersecurity standards in line with international protocols, the collected data are stored on servers at the University of Urbino Carlo Bo. Data sharing complies with the terms of service of the platforms and data providers, as well as applicable regulations, prioritizing open science practices within ethical and legal boundaries. Data sharing among the partner universities involved in the project is governed by a signed Data Sharing Agreement.
Data Processing Officer
The Data Protection Officer (DPO) of the University of Urbino Carlo Bo is Engineer Mauro Raimondi. For more information or inquiries related to personal data processing, please contact the following email address: rpd@uniurb.it.
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