Before downloading any dataset from the World Bank Data Catalog for maps, tables, or automated workflows, users must verify the specific access and licensing terms rather than assuming a universal license applies to all records.
Understanding License Categories and Verification Steps
The World Bank identifies Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) as the default license for datasets produced by the institution itself, permitting copying, modification, and distribution with appropriate attribution. However, many catalog records utilize distinct arrangements such as the Open Database License (ODbL), the Microdata Research License, externally specified licenses, or custom terms. The Microdata Research License specifically protects survey and census respondents by restricting redistribution and prohibiting attempts to identify individuals. Users must locate the specific dataset record to confirm its exact license type, as a download button is not always available for microdata requiring registration or application processes. For data hosted by third parties under externally specified or custom licenses, users must follow the official access routes provided in the metadata rather than relying on World Bank defaults.
Best Practices for Documentation and Derived Works
When publishing derived tables, maps, or other outputs, it is critical to record the exact dataset name, source URL, license type, access date, and any required attribution or change notices within project records. The distinction between the default CC BY 4.0 status and specific dataset-level labels prevents common errors in legal compliance. While the licensing page outlines categories like data not available due to sensitivity or damage, the individual record remains the final authority for determining availability. Projects involving microdata must adhere to strict conditions regarding statistical research versus investigation of specific entities, ensuring that publications cite sources as required by the dataset's specific terms.
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