Attitudes towards Data Linkage for Evidence-Based Policymaking

In a recent report, the Commission for Evidence-Based Policymaking advocated for expanded use of data, including data linkage, from federal statistical and regulatory agencies to help guide decision-making and ultimately improve programs and policies. How data sharing and linkage is framed is important, and attitudes about data sharing and linkage are driven by respondents’ privacy beliefs and views towards the government more generally. Using data from the RDD telephone Gallup Daily Tracking Survey, we examine how favorability towards data sharing for the purpose of informed decision-making compares to other purposes. Respondents were less favorable towards data sharing when the purpose was for informed decision-making than for efficient use of taxpayer money, government accountability, or for community benefits, suggesting this is an ineffective way to frame data sharing to increase support. However, views towards the government, beliefs about privacy, and response behavior are still important determinants of favorability.