Is using my data with CCDC services confidential, or can CCDC see my data?

Modified on Tue, 22 Apr at 4:13 PM

The answer to this questions depends a little on what service or product you are using.

Can CCDC see what data I am loading in to one of CCDC's desktop software products, or what use I am making of them?

This includes any software installed from our CSD Portfolio range of products, such as Mercury, ConQuest or GOLD. The products are all installed locally and CCDC receives no information on what data is being loaded in to those products, or how that data is being utilised.

There is an opt-in ability for users to provide CCDC with telemetry data for these products, but this is limited to anonymised general use, such as starting a particular product, or functionality in a product. CCDC does not receive any information on the data in use or the exact manipulations or searches being made. More information on telemetry can be found here.

Can CCDC see what I am searching for in the Access Structures or WebCSD services hosted by CCDC?

These services allow you to search and download CCDC data and do not involve uploading your own personal data.

CCDC will maintain logs of usage for the purposes of monitoring and improving services, as defined in our privacy policy.

Can CCDC see when I am searching in my own on-site installation of WebCSD?

These services are installed locally on your own systems and no data or search pattern information is transmitted back to CCDC. Use of your own on-site installation is therefore completely confidential.

Can CCDC, or any others, see the data I am depositing with CCDC and what will ultimately happen to it?

Prior to publication your data will be stored confidentially but it will be accessible by referees and the publisher assigned to review your data using our secure Referee Service. At the point of publication your deposited data will be made publicly available through our Access Structures service. In addition organic and metal-organic experimental structures will be curated into the Cambridge Structural Database and inorganic experimental structures will be curated into the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database. See our Privacy Policy for more details.