At Intterra, we are dedicated to providing secure, reliable, and transparent data solutions that empower our customers and partners. As part of our commitment to data integrity and security, we are implementing enhanced governance measures to ensure that all data-sharing processes are properly documented, contracted, and controlled. As we previous communicated, effective February 7, 2025, all non-contracted connections to Intterra data sources will be disabled. Moving forward, we will categorize data-sharing requests into three distinct types, each with specific requirements to ensure security, transparency, and compliance. The Need for Data Governance and Security Data governance is essential to safeguarding sensitive information, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, and ensuring that data is shared responsibly among trusted entities. Unauthorized or loosely controlled data sharing can lead to security vulnerabilities, mismanagement, and potential breaches.
By implementing a structured approach, Intterra is taking proactive steps to:
- Protect sensitive operational data from unauthorized access.
- Ensure transparency in how data is shared and utilized.
- Streamline compliance with industry best practices and contractual obligations.
- Facilitate seamless and secure collaborations between agencies and third parties.
With these principles in mind, we are formalizing the data-sharing process to provide clarity, accountability, and security for all stakeholders involved.
Intterra is now classifying data-sharing requests into three distinct categories:
- Intterra Agency to Intterra Agency
When an Intterra customer (agency) wishes to share data with another Intterra customer, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) must be in place between both parties. This MOU should clearly define what data is being shared, the purpose of the sharing, and any restrictions or usage guidelines.
- Intterra provides an MOU template for agencies to use, or agencies may submit their own MOU.
- This ensures that both parties agree on the terms of data sharing while maintaining compliance with security and governance standards.
- Intterra Agency to a Third Party
If an Intterra customer wishes to share data with a third party, additional governance measures will apply. This category is further divided into two subcategories based on whether the third-party benefits commercially from the data exchange.
- 2a Third-Party Data Sharing Without Commercial Gain
If an agency shares data with a third party without commercial gain, Intterra will require:
- A one-time fee for the initial setup of the data feed not to exceed $5,000.
- Depending on the data type, there may be a recurring fee to offset Intterra costs to deliver the data.
- Recurring fees will be limited to recovering costs only.
- The third party to sign a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) directly with Intterra to ensure proper governance and compliance.
This approach ensures that the data-sharing process is secure and structured while minimizing ongoing costs for the agency and third party.
- 2b Third-Party Data Sharing With Commercial Gain
If a third party derives commercial gain from the shared data, additional considerations apply. Commercial gain is defined as any situation where the third party benefits financially or gains a competitive advantage from access to the data, regardless of the organization’s profit status (nonprofit, private, or public entity).
Examples include:
- Selling products, services, or insights based on the shared data.
- Using the data to enhance a commercial offering that generates revenue.
- Monetizing insights derived from the data for business advantage.
For these cases, Intterra will:
- Require an executed Data Sharing Agreement with the third party.
- Collaborate with the third party to define an appropriate fee structure based on the value derived from the data.
This ensures that Intterra customers maintain control over their data while promoting responsible and fair usage practices.
Next Steps for Agencies and Partners
To continue accessing or sharing data through Intterra, organizations must ensure compliance with these updated policies. If your organization currently relies on an open data connection, please take the following actions as soon as possible:
- For agency-to-agency sharing: Establish an MOU if one is not already in place. (In most cases, existing MOUs and agreements are in place and no action needed)
- For agency-to-third-party sharing: Determine whether the third party benefits commercially and take necessary steps to formalize a Data Sharing Agreement and address any associated fees.
We appreciate your cooperation in implementing these changes, which are designed to enhance security, ensure compliance, and protect data integrity. If you have questions or need assistance in establishing a formal data-sharing agreement, please reach out to support@interragroup.com.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
— The Intterra Team