> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://fdilab.gitbook.io/open-data-commons/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://fdilab.gitbook.io/open-data-commons/readme/readme/data-protection-and-privacy-in-the-odc/account-types.md).

# Account Types

To help protect unpublished data, the ODC has several different authentication steps and user account types.

Creating an account is the first step to downloading or uploading data on the ODC. Users can create an account from the homepages of [odc-sci.org](https://odc-sci.org) or [odc-tbi.org](https://odc-tbi.org) - if you are a member of both research communities, you will need to create an account on each site to access data.

<figure><img src="/files/kbSu2Gyz18E73VWENAvv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
\*Anyone can *view* the list of public datasets and their accompanying metadata at anytime without a user account. ***Downloading*** data from the [Public Space](/open-data-commons/readme/readme/data-protection-and-privacy-in-the-odc/data-spaces.md#public-space) requires a user account - this ensures that data users agree to the ODC data use agreement and terms & conditions.
{% endhint %}

## [Tier 1: Basic Access User](#tier-1-basic-access-member)

**Functions:** Basic Access Users can explore and download published datasets found in the [Public Space](broken://pages/RQsVCIqGcQKWMdMPAoRQ#public)

**Requirement(s):**

1. Verify email after account creation

{% hint style="success" %}
Register with your institutional email to streamline the approval process when requesting authorization for higher account tiers
{% endhint %}

## [Tier 2: Community Access User](#tier-2-community-access-member)

**Functions:** Community Access Users can explore and download published datasets found in the Public Space and unpublished datasets found in the Community Space

**Requirement(s):**

1. Must be a Basic Access User
2. Must receive approval from the [ODC Community Moderators](/open-data-commons/how-to-get-help/glossary.md#moderators)

In most cases, becoming a Community Access User can be done at the same time as account creation. Follow the account creation process for Basic User Access and verify your email. Once complete, the [ODC Community Moderators](/open-data-commons/how-to-get-help/glossary.md#moderators) (oversight committee) review your request to become a Community Access User. Users will receive an email when approved - approval usually takes less than 24h.

## [Tier 3: Full Access User](#tier-3-full-access-user)

**Functions:** Full Access Users can upload, share, and release datasets to the [Personal](broken://pages/RQsVCIqGcQKWMdMPAoRQ#personal-space) or [Lab Space](broken://pages/RQsVCIqGcQKWMdMPAoRQ#lab-space), publish datasets to the [Public Space](broken://pages/RQsVCIqGcQKWMdMPAoRQ#public-space), plus explore and download datasets found in the [Public Space](broken://pages/RQsVCIqGcQKWMdMPAoRQ#public) and [Community Space](broken://pages/RQsVCIqGcQKWMdMPAoRQ#community)

**Requirement(s):**

1. Must be a Community Access User
2. Must join or create a [Verified Laboratory](/open-data-commons/readme/readme/data-protection-and-privacy-in-the-odc/verified-laboratories-the-lab-space.md)
   1. Join an existing Lab Space: must receive approval by the PI of the lab
   2. Create a Laboratory: must receive approval (i.e., verification) from the [ODC Community Moderators](/open-data-commons/how-to-get-help/glossary.md#moderators)

Becoming a Full Access User can only be done once approved as a Community Access User. Requests to join an existing Laboratory send an email notification to the Laboratory PI prompting them to accept or reject the request. Requests to register a new laboratory are verified by the [ODC Community Moderators](/open-data-commons/how-to-get-help/glossary.md#moderators) - approval usually takes less than 24h.


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