Data for Good
The future is friendly when data is used for good
Data for Good is an award-winning, Privacy by Design-driven insights platform that gives leading public good researchers access to high quality, strongly de-identified data.
Since 2017, this program has enabled safe, responsible innovation so that data can be used in ways to help you, your community and society at large - without compromising privacy. In fact, privacy safeguards were a key consideration during the development of the initiative and have been a feature of the program since its inception.
Remarkable data outcomes for Canadians
Learn how using data responsibly has supported social good.
Data for Good solves problems that matter to Canadians
See what leading researchers have to say about Data for Good.
Are you a researcher studying a topic in one of our areas of social impact? Contact us at Data&[email protected].
"Unmatched network mobility analytics. These strongly de-identified insights allow us to study a range of important topics such as access to parks and greenspaces, and trends in home working."
Jed Long
Associate Professor in Geography and Environment, Western University
“Information and Privacy. Data for Good combines the best of two worlds. It gave us an opportunity to identify key locations to be used in transportation systems based on human mobility patterns.”
Borzou Rostami
Assistant Professor, Alberta School of Business - Department of Accounting and Business Analytics, University of Alberta
“The Data For Good program has provided us with anonymized datasets on network activity that allow us to explore with emergency response agencies whether predictive models can help anticipate emergency events and hence improve response and public safety.”
Alberto Leon-Garcia
Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto
Case study
City of Surrey
Information from the Data for Good program was used to create a Physical Distancing report, which helped the City of Surrey to navigate the global pandemic and protect its 500,000+ population. The report provided key metrics and real-world indicators of how the community responded.
Case study
Ottawa Public Health
Measuring behaviour can be a challenge. Ottawa Public Health typically uses self-reporting methods such as population surveys to assess community health behaviour. TELUS Data for Good provided an enhanced understanding for researchers through access to a privacy-preserving platform of de-identified and aggregated data.
It's always your choice
It's important that you know the data accessed by researchers as part of Data for Good isn't actually about you. Rigorous de-identification and aggregation processes remove any personal identifiers, meaning that the data used is not personal data that can reasonably identify who you are, where you go or what you do.
Even though this is the case, you can always choose to opt-out of Data for Good.
Designed Responsibly: How Data for Good works
The program includes technical, contractual and procedural protections to ensure that strongly de-identified and aggregated network mobility data is used by authorized parties for approved purposes that are socially beneficial.
Internal Review. Participating researchers are reviewed for alignment with the program qualifications and TELUS Trust Model.
Terms of Use. Data for Good requires strict adherence to our program agreement, which outlines the purpose for access, data retention, and prohibition on attempts to re-identify data.
User Training. Researchers are provided with training regarding the applicable scope of the program, privacy controls and terms of use prior to onboarding.
Platform Access. Once researchers are approved and trained, they receive access to a controlled API for network mobility data.
Value. Through this access, the researchers can conduct innovative projects with a social impact.