Interdependence in information practices: differences matter when caring for immigration data in Canada

Purpose – Service providers, government agencies and other entities gather data on immigration and settlement for myriad reasons. In Canada, newcomers to the country are required to provide personal information to access essential services from community-based organizations and government agencies. Individuals who handle immigration data hold valuable yet under-examined perspectives on these data collection and sharing activities. This study therefore seeks to answer the overarching question: What information practices are prominent in the work of different groups who collect, analyze and steward newcomers' data? Design/methodology/approach – Our interview-based study reports on the practices of individuals supporting immigration and settlement (i.e. settlement service providers, migrant justice activists, immigration researchers, government staff and designers of digital systems and services oriented toward newcomers) through their use of newcomers' data. Findings – A dual narrative and thematic analysis interprets participants' reflections on their information practices and responsibilities, showcasing variation despite their interdependence and shared priorities for newcomers' well-being. We propose the concept of “data care” to draw attention to experiences and tensions inherent in stewarding newcomers' data. This inquiry reveals conflicts over responsibilities, differences in ethical reasoning and the need for multi-stakeholder negotiation. Originality/value – Findings bring greater clarity to the intricacies of respecting migrants and their privacy. The study contributes to a theoretical lens on information practices in care work by drawing from feminist care ethics and sociotechnical scholarship.