Check a dataset licence before reuse
Identify the exact resource, its licence and attribution requirements before publication or redistribution.
Follow the method ↓
The answer in 30 seconds
Open data permits reuse under stated conditions. Different files in a project may come from different producers, and a portal's general terms cannot replace the licence attached to the specific dataset.
Open the dataset record, identify its named licence and version, read the conditions at the source, and keep the producer, dataset URL and update date with the reused data.
Examples to adapt
Credit the source and link to the dataset page, not merely the downloaded CSV.
Record the licence of each input rather than assigning one source's licence to all rows.
Ask the producer or seek another dataset; do not assume the file is unrestricted.
Follow the method
- 1Locate the record
Find the producer's dataset page and match it to the file you obtained.
- 2Identify the licence
Read the named licence, version and any resource-specific notes.
- 3Plan attribution
Preserve the producer, title, URL, update date and changes you make.
- 4Check the proposed use
Compare your publication or redistribution plan with the licence terms; seek specialist advice when the rights are unclear.
A checklist to keep
Use these checks to record what you found. The grid supports a decision; it does not make one for you.
| Check | What to examine | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Resource | Is this the exact file reused? | Match |
| Producer | Who published it? | Record |
| Licence | Which version applies? | Read |
| Obligations | What credit or sharing is required? | Apply |
| Changes | What did you alter? | Disclose |
Read the checklist directly in the table.
What to check
Publicly downloadable does not mean public domain.
Attribution and share-alike obligations can differ.
Personal data concerns may remain even when a dataset has a licence.
Common questions
Can I change the dataset?
Check the named licence; many open licences allow modification with conditions, but the exact terms govern.
Is a link enough for attribution?
Follow the specific licence; retaining producer, title and a stable source URL makes attribution more useful.
Sources and documentation
- data.gouv.fr — Open data conditions ↗
- data.gouv.fr — Open Licence 2.0 ↗
- Creative Commons — Recommended practices for attribution ↗
Documentation consulted on . Examples are illustrative; interfaces and results may change.
Apply this method to a wider task
Prepare an image credit that can be traced back
Creative Commons recommends TASL: title, author, source and licence. It helps preserve an image’s origin through reuse.
- Open the original record
- Assemble the credit
- State your changes
| Situation | What changes | Useful check |
|---|---|---|
| Author and source | The host is not necessarily the creator. | Keep the author’s requested name and original link. |
| Licence and version | Creative Commons alone does not specify a licence. | Record CC BY 4.0 with its link if that is the file’s licence. |
| Changes | Distinguish the original from your version. | State cropping or adaptation and check permitted uses. |
A supplied title remains recommended; CC 4.0 licences do not require it, unlike relevant earlier versions. A correct credit does not replace compliance with licence conditions.
Documentation : Creative Commons — Recommended practices for attribution ↗ · · Read the reference record →