Data mining (also known as content mining) is the term for the process of collecting and finding connections among large amounts of data, which is only possible with the help of technology and unique search algorithms.
Data mining can revolutionize research
The hassle about data mining is the copyright law. According to the law we are allowed to read different resources. But what is the correct interpretation of the word read and what applies to data mining? This is where the law gets vague. The law today restricts sharing of data and research within national borders, which has delayed technological development in significant areas such as technology and medicine.
In the EU and Europe today there are a number of different copyright laws. There are also a number of exceptions to the laws but only used in the UK and Ireland.
The Hague Declaration wants to induce changes in the copyright law
The Hague Declaration is a document put together by LIBER and a group of academics. The document lists the possibilities and problems of text and data mining (TDM). It presents a number of measures in order to create a copyright reform that will benefit research and sharing of research results and data between countries.
The goal is to have a common law applicable throughout Europe to remove the uncertainty surrounding the copyright law and clarify what applies to data mining. Negotiations will eventually take place between different interest groups, members of the European Parliament and member states.
Imagine if researchers could use data mining more freely? There is no doubt about the opportunities that will rise in research.
Read more about the Hague Declaration:
Stockholm University Press Blog 
2 thoughts on “Imagine free data mining”