OActions can be tagged based on what a dashboard user was viewing when they created or reviewed an action. This may include any filters they had applied at the time.
In some cases, those filters may not be appropriate to use as tags. For example, a user may have been viewing results by gender, ethnicity, age, disability status, or another sensitive demographic variable.
This setting helps prevent sensitive or inappropriate demographic variables from being used in Action tagging.
Actions may still be tagged based on the content of the action and the dashboard viewer’s preset filters.
What this means
When actions are processed, the platform will look at the filters or demographic variables linked to a response. These variables can help provide more useful tagging and reporting.
However, some demographic variables may be sensitive, such as gender, age, ethnicity, disability status, or other personal characteristics. You may not want these variables to be used as part of the tagging process.
To support this, demographic variables can now be marked as either sensitive or not sensitive.
Default setting
All demographic variables are treated as sensitive by default. This means they are not included in the tagging process unless an Organisation Super User chooses to allow them.
A variable will only be used for tagging if it is switched on.
Why this matters
This gives your organisation more control over how demographic information is used.
It helps ensure that Action tagging does not use variables that your organisation considers sensitive or inappropriate for this purpose.
For example, you may choose not to include gender or age in tagging, but allow a less sensitive variable such as department, location, or role type.
What happens to existing variables?
For existing demographic variables, the setting will be switched off by default.
This means existing variables will not be used in tagging unless you review them and choose to switch them on.
Who can change this setting?
Organisation Super Users can review and update whether demographic variables are included in tagging.
If you are unsure which variables should be enabled, we recommend checking with the appropriate internal stakeholders before making changes.
Recommended approach
Before switching any variables on, consider:
Whether the variable contains personal or sensitive information
Whether it is appropriate to use the variable in Action tagging
Whether the variable could identify or unfairly categorise individuals
Whether your organisation has internal policies about using demographic data
Only switch on variables that you are comfortable including in the tagging process.
Summary
Demographic variables are excluded from tagging by default. Organisation Super Users can choose which variables, if any, should be included. This gives your organisation control over how demographic data is used and helps protect sensitive information.