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    Flow-alerta.cab

    Datasheets for Datasets

    Application & enablementDataset DatasheetData sheet for data setsData set documentation
    Editorially reviewed on: 1 source
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    The short answer · 18 words

    In short

    Datasheets for datasets document the creation, composition, intended use and limits of a data set in structured form.

    Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Datasheets for Datasets. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/datasheets-for-datasets. Editorially reviewed on: 10 October 2026.

    How much detail would you like?

    Practical

    Structured dataset documentation facilitates selection, reuse, risk analysis and communication between creators and users. It makes borders visible, but proves neither quality nor ethics or legal conformity.

    A company documents for a ticket record period, sources, consent and filter rules, labeling process, known gaps and inappropriate uses.

    SMEs use a short, binding template for important analysis and ML datasets. Responsible persons update them for new sources, labels, versions or purposes of use.

    At a glance

    Core
    The documentation format proposed by Gebru and co-authors accompanies a dataset with questions about motivation, collection, composition, processing, use, distribution, maintenance and limitations. It is neither a universally mandatory standard nor a quality certificate.
    Use
    Structured dataset documentation facilitates selection, reuse, risk analysis and communication between creators and users. It makes borders visible, but proves neither quality nor ethics or legal conformity.
    Example
    A company documents for a ticket record period, sources, consent and filter rules, labeling process, known gaps and inappropriate uses.
    Limits
    Equate Datasheet, Dataset Card and Model Card; document only technical column lists; gloss over known risks or do not update the document after data changes.

    In context

    Data Governance

    Data governance determines who decides on data, what principles apply and how responsibility and control are organised.

    Questions about this term

    Is a datasheet mandatory? Not in general. Is it a model card? No, the Model Card describes a model. Does it guarantee good data? No, it creates transparency. In what format? For example, Markdown, wiki or catalogue form.

    All details and background

    The documentation format proposed by Gebru and co-authors accompanies a dataset with questions about motivation, collection, composition, processing, use, distribution, maintenance and limitations. It is neither a universally mandatory standard nor a quality certificate.

    ELI5 – Explained simply

    Like a package leaflet, the datasheet explains where a data set comes from, what it is intended for and what you need to pay attention to.

    Why it matters in practice

    Structured dataset documentation facilitates selection, reuse, risk analysis and communication between creators and users. It makes borders visible, but proves neither quality nor ethics or legal conformity.

    Example

    A company documents for a ticket record period, sources, consent and filter rules, labeling process, known gaps and inappropriate uses.

    Pitfalls and limits

    • Equate Datasheet, Dataset Card and Model Card; document only technical column lists; gloss over known risks or do not update the document after data changes.

    Origin & history

    Gebru et al. published the proposal as a preprint in 2018; a revised version appeared in Communications of the ACM in 2021. The analogy comes from technical product data sheets.

    Use in mid-sized companies

    • SMEs use a short, binding template for important analysis and ML datasets. Responsible persons update them for new sources, labels, versions or purposes of use.

    Related terms

    Matching Flow-alerta service

    TrainingAI governance and documentation: implement practical templates, responsibilities and updating processes for data sets.

    Matching tool / use case

    View use casesMarkdown or catalogue template; use case: document training data set before approval with origin, limits, protection requirements and permitted purposes.

    Sources

    • arxiv.orgGebru et al., „Datasheets for Datasets“, Preprint 2018 / CACM 2021, DOI 10.1145/3458723 (Abruf 05.10.2026)

    Quellenprüfung: 10.10.2026. Definition und dokumentierte Einordnung abgeglichen; Beispiele beschreiben mögliche Anwendungen.

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