How should consent be obtained for online or digital research?

• A. Provide clear, accessible information, obtain explicit consent, ensure digital security and privacy protections.
• B. Use implied consent by clicking a link.
• C. Consent is not required for online studies.
• D. Consent can be verbal only.

Answer: (A)

Consent in online or digital research must be informed, voluntary, and explicitly given, with strong protections for privacy and data security. The best approach requires presenting clear, accessible information about the study—its purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, how data will be collected, stored, used, and who will have access—before any data is gathered. Participants should have the opportunity to ask questions and to actively agree to participate, typically through an electronic consent form or an explicit opt-in, rather than simply continuing to a link. Importantly, digital environments demand robust privacy protections and security measures (encryption, secure storage, access controls, de-identification where possible) to safeguard participants’ information, and consent should be revisited or reaffirmed as needed.

Implied consent by clicking a link does not ensure that participants understand what they are agreeing to or truly consent to participate. Consent is not optional for online studies, and verbal consent alone is generally insufficient when identifiable or sensitive information is involved.