Microdata files derived from Istat's surveys, are released free of charge and in compliance with the principles of statistical secrecy and protection of personal data. There are three types of highly anonymized data: two types of scientific use files (files for research purposes and standard files) and a public use file ("mIcro.STAT file").
Files for research purposes are developed in relation to statistical surveys regarding individuals and households as well as enterprises, and are created specifically for the purposes of scientific research.
They are the most detailed files and they may be requested exclusively by:
• subjects belonging to Italian universities or research bodies and institutions to which the "Ethical code for the processing of statistical data outside Sistan" (a data processing regulation that concerns universities and other institutions
outside the national statistical system) applies;
• other subjects that meet Eurostat requirements for the provision of microdata
files in accordance with European legislation.
Standard files from surveys on individuals and households may be accessed by a variety of users, but are restricted to study and research purposes. They are issued upon request with a valid reason for research or study purposes.
Public use mIcro.STAT files are developed for some surveys starting from the relative file for research purposes, as a subsample. They contain a lower level of detail in comparison with files for research purposes.
Researchers (defined as those affiliated to, or fellows of, Italian universities or research bodies and institutions to which the above-mentioned "Ethical code" applies) can also access secure use files using Istat's onsite safe research data centre, ADELE (Analisi di Dati ELEmentari).