Takedown Protocol for Sensitive Information in Tufts Archival Research Center
Digital collections hosted by Tufts Archival Research Center are intended to provide accurate and complete representations of information in order to advance the private study and research of students, faculty, and the general public. Due to the nature of archival collections, we are not always able to identify third party rights of privacy, publicity, copyright or trademark. We are eager to hear from any rights owners, so that we may obtain accurate information. Upon request, we’ll temporarily remove material from public view while we address a rights issue. Living individuals whose private information is exposed (or who are acting on behalf of a minor child or an incapacitated parent, spouse, domestic partner or adult child) are welcome to submit a takedown request to archives@tufts.edu. All such requests will be reviewed by relevant Tufts University stakeholders, including, without limitation, members of the Tufts Archival Research Center and the Office of University Counsel, who may ask for additional information to better understand the issue and its consequences.
Given our commitment to preserving the authenticity and integrity of the scholarly and historical record, it is unlikely that we will correct errors or inaccuracies present in original items; redact digital content or indices; or otherwise remove access to materials except in cases where there are legal concerns (for example, the presence of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protected information), significant risks to privacy (for example, exposed Social Security numbers), or documented evidence of a clear and imminent threat to personal safety and well-being.
Adapted from University of Michigan “Takedown Policy for Sensitive Information in U-M Digital Collections.” https://www.lib.umich.edu/digital-content-collections-dcc/takedown-policy-sensitive-information-u-m-digital-collections
OCLC “Well-intentioned practice for putting digitized collections of unpublished materials online” https://www.oclc.org/content/dam/research/activities/rights/practice.pdf (Policy endorsed by the Society of American Archivists and many research libraries.)