FAQ: Why Can't I Edit Certain Fields on my Published Dataset?

When you upload a new dataset to Mozilla Data Collective, you will need to fill in a datasheet that accompanies the dataset. After your dataset is approved, you are able to edit some of the fields on the datasheet, but not others.

Fields that cannot be edited once your dataset is published include:

• The license that governs the use of your dataset
• Restrictions or prohibited uses for downloading your dataset
• Additional terms for your dataset

These fields cannot be edited as they collectively make up the legal agreement between you (the uploader), and any downloaders who agree to these terms. Changing these terms can result in a material re-licensing of your dataset, which may (depending on the extent of the changes) need for downloaders to agree to new terms before subsequent downloads.

To re-license a dataset by changing these fields, you will need to create a new listing with the new terms and hide the old dataset. While this is not an ideal flow (and we are working on building a re-licensing/versioning for licenses on the platform to enable editing these fields), it ensures that anyone who downloads your dataset at any point will also have an explicit and clear understanding of which license terms applied at the moment of agreement, and a record of that should any conflict arise from the interpretation of the term agreement.