# SD Desktop for secondary use of health and social data (register data). 

## What is the SD Desktop for secondary use?

The SD Desktop service is a certified environment for data processing under the Act on the Secondary Use of Health and Social Data (requires a permit provided by Findata, the Finnish Social and Health Data Permit Authority). SD Desktop has been audited against the Findata regulation.

## How does processing secondary use data on SD Desktop differ from standard use of Sensitive Data services?

With register data, there are some restrictions to the service compared to the standard use of SD Desktop. The restrictions are necessary to comply with the  regulation of the Health and Social Data Permit Authority (Findata). Most important limitations include: the service and data access is managed by CSC instead of the user and other services (for example SD Connect) are not available. Read more in [SD Desktop service description](https://research.csc.fi/-/sd-desktop).

## How can I access register data with SD Desktop?

First, you need to have a data permit from Findata or a single public register. Then you need to create a CSC account, if you do not have one already, and a specific Findata type CSC project for your data. Next, you can request for service access from our service desk (servicedesk@csc.fi) with the data permit. The data will be transferred directly to the service from the data controller, and it will be available only for verified project members on the virtual desktop. For more information see: [SD Desktop for secondary use](../../data/sensitive-data/secondarydata-access.md).

## Can I combine my own data with register data on SD Desktop?

In a project using secondary use health and social data, all the data processed on SD Desktop must be provided by the data controller (Findata or a single register). If you want to combine your own findings with register data, you need to specify it in your application for the data permit. 

## Is it possible to install software to SD Desktop when processing secondary use data?

The programs available on the Desktop are [listed in the user guide](../../data/sensitive-data/sd-desktop-secondary-working.md#default-software-available-in-sd-desktop).

If the software you need is not pre-installed on SD Desktop, you need to contact our service desk (servicedesk@csc.fi) to check if the program is compatible with the service and available for installation in the secondary use projects.

## How can I export my results from SD Desktop?

You need to make a request to our service desk (servicedesk@csc.fi) to export your results. The results will be exported directly to Findata and you will receive them after the authority’s scrutiny.

## What will happen to my data after the secondary use data permit expires?

You will not be able to access your virtual desktop after the validity period of your data permit ends. If you do not apply for extension for the data permit from the data controller and request us to extend the duration of your CSC project, your project will close automatically after the expiration of the data permit. All data from a closed project will be deleted after 90 days, according to CSC’s data retention policy. You need to have all your results exported from the virtual desktop before the data permit expires – otherwise you cannot access them when the permit is no longer valid.
