Checking that a dataset has been published by Eurostat
In case somebody has shared a dataset with you, and you would like to ascertain that it is indeed a dataset that has been disseminated by Eurostat, please proceed as following:
Verification steps
- Compute the fingerprint (hash) of the dataset (in compressed.gzip file format) you have downloaded or received; read more under 'How to calculate the hash of a dataset'
- Check whether there is an entry in the EBSI blockchain for that fingerprint (hash); read more under 'How to search for a hash in the EBSI blockchain'
- Check that the fingerprint (hash) has been created by Eurostat; read more under 'How to know whether a hash has been created by Eurostat?'
If you wish, you can use the Python and R scripts that Eurostat has created to perform one or more of steps 1, 2 and 3, i.e. to retrieve, hash and check if a dataset has been published by Eurostat. The code is thoroughly commented and it can be used with very minimal configuration. Both versions of the code are available on code.europa.eu.
How to interpret the results
If all 3 steps have been successful you can be certain that this is a genuine Eurostat dataset, meaning a dataset that has been disseminated by Eurostat.
If step 2 fails, this does not rule out that the dataset is a genuine Eurostat dataset . There are various reasons for which a Eurostat dataset may have a fingerprint that does not turn up in EBSI.
Get help
If you experience issues, you can contact the EBSI support team for guidance.