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Why are some data contributors “anonymous”?
Why are some data contributors “anonymous”?

"Anonymous" data contributors and how to claim an "anonymous" sensor.

Kelsey avatar
Written by Kelsey
Updated over a week ago

On the IQAir platform, all ground-based stations are attributed to a contributor and data source for data transparency and acknowledgment.

In some cases, the data contributor is listed as anonymous. There are two reasons why contributors are anonymous:

1. The sensor owner has not yet set up an account or

2. the sensor owner prefers to remain anonymous. (by inputting "anonymous" or any pseudonym to become "anonymous")


1. The sensor owner has not yet set up a contributor profile.

Most anonymous sensors are low-cost sensors that are owned by non-governmental organizations and individuals that have made their sensors public but have not yet registered on the IQAir platform and set up their profile. By claiming a device on the IQAir platform and establishing a profile, data contributors can:

• provide transparency and be acknowledged

• promote their project/initiative website and social media pages via external links

While owners of an IQAir AirVisual monitor will have already established an IQAir account to deploy their outdoor station, they will still need to edit their profile if they wish to be credited. Learn how to create and/or update your contributor profile.

PurpleAir sensors have been integrated into the IQAir platform. Owners of a PurpleAir sensor will need to create both an IQAir account and contributor profile to be credited. Learn how to claim a PurpleAir device.

2. The sensor owner prefers to remain anonymous.

When creating an IQAir account, you are provided with a profile page. Sensor owners can have themselves stay "anonymous" by naming the profile after "anonymous" or any pseudonym to become "anonymous". They can still manage their devices and access all the benefits of the IQAir platform while remaining anonymous.

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