March 20, 2025
Jerry Arbittier
We Take the Global Data Quality Pledge: Ensuring Trustworthy Insights
Today, I’m excited to share that AOPS has officially signed the Global Data Quality (GDQ) Pledge, initiated by the Insights Association. This isn’t just another industry checkbox or a pretty logo for our email signatures (though you’ll see it there too!). It’s our line in the sand—our public commitment to upholding standards that ensure the insights we provide are trustworthy, ethical, and genuinely valuable.
I’ve seen firsthand how the research landscape has changed.
What used to be careful panel building has too often become a free-for-all of river sampling and unverified respondents. Industry experts estimate that 40%-60% of survey participants may not be who they claim to be, an alarming statistic that should concern anyone making decisions based on research data.
When half your data could be coming from bots, professional survey-takers, or people claiming to have twenty medical conditions (spoiler alert: they’d be dead if they did), we have a serious problem. This isn’t just about research purity—it’s about the real-world decisions being made based on potentially compromised insights.
I believe this pledge is going to become the price of entry for serious research providers. While there’s no formal enforcement mechanism yet, market forces will create natural accountability. When major clients like P&G start requiring this commitment from their research partners (and they will), those who haven’t signed will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage.
The Insights Association: Not Your Average Industry Group
The Insights Association evolved from the legendary “Green Book” organization that researchers have relied on for decades. What sets them apart is their substantive advocacy work. They maintain a legal arm that actively fights for research-friendly policies in Washington. When legislation threatens to unintentionally harm research practices, they’re the ones showing up to educate policymakers. They’re not just talking about industry standards—they’re defending our ability to do meaningful research in the first place.
Now, What is the Global Data Quality Pledge?
The GDQ Pledge is a five-part commitment that addresses critical aspects of data quality:
1. Raising the Quality Bar
We’re implementing verified consent processes, securing our technology, and ensuring proper identity verification. In plain English… we’re making sure people are who they say they are.
2. Creating True Transparency
We’re providing clarity on sample sources, quality metrics, and research processes. No more black boxes or mystery data.
3. Protecting Participant Rights
We’re following ethical codes, respecting privacy regulations, and designing respectful research experiences. People aren’t data points—they’re ‘partners’ in our research.
4. Sharing Knowledge
We’re maintaining high standards across partnerships and contributing to collective industry improvements. A rising tide lifts all boats.
5. Active Industry Participation
We’re joining industry associations, supporting quality initiatives, and using consistent terminology. We’re not just bystanders—we’re active participants in making research better.
In a world where data powers nearly every business decision, the integrity of that data isn’t optional—it’s essential. By signing this pledge, we’re not just saying we care about quality—we’re committing to specific actions that ensure it.
I invite you to join us in this commitment. Whether you’re a research provider who should sign the pledge yourself, or a client who should start asking your providers if they’ve signed, this is an initiative worth supporting.
Because, at the end of the day, insights are only as good as the data they’re built on.