How to remove someone’s access to a dataset#

Removing someone’s access takes them off the dataset’s list so they can no longer change it or, when the dataset is private, open it. Do it when a collaborator leaves the team or while you review the data.

Before you start#

You need the Can manage level on the dataset or on the project above it. Only managers see the controls on the Contributors tab. See How access to a record is decided.

Steps#

  1. Open the dataset page and choose the Contributors tab.

  2. Find the person under People. The badge beside their name shows their level.

  3. To take them off the dataset, select Remove beside their name. To keep them credited but stop them changing the dataset, select Edit instead, choose Can view and select Save.

  4. If you chose Remove, read the list on the confirmation screen and select Remove.

The result#

A removed person is no longer credited on the dataset or named in its citation. A private dataset no longer opens for them. If you add them again later, they start with Can view and no roles.

A person you set to Can view stays credited and can still open the dataset, even when it is private.

If the person can still open the dataset#

  • They may hold a level on the project above. The Access from the project card on the Contributors tab names them, and its Manage there button opens the project’s tab, where you can change it.

  • They may hold a portal role that reaches every dataset, such as Data Curator. A portal administrator changes that.

  • The dataset may be public, which opens it to everyone. See How to restrict a dataset to specific people.

If the screen refuses to remove them#

A dataset always keeps a manager. When the person is the only one who can manage the dataset, the screen says so and offers no Remove button. Give someone else Can manage first. An organization cannot be removed while the screen lists people credited from it. Change their organization or remove them first.