The Insights Association (IA), the leading nonprofit association representing the market research, consumer insights, and data analytics industry, issued the following statement in response to the April 15, 2025, federal indictments related to Op4G / SliceMR and SNWare Research by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

INSIGHTS ASSOCIATION’S IMMEDIATE RESPONSE

Upon learning of the charges and following an expedited internal review, the Insights Association suspended the IA memberships of SliceMR and SNWare Research, as well as the named individuals in the U.S. Attorney’s Office indictment. Op4G, which ostensibly was a predecessor and/or affiliate company of SliceMR, was not an IA member.  

While these charges are both detailed and serious, the U.S. judicial system maintains a presumption of innocence. As such, any final decisions relating to permanent bans from the Insights Association will be made after a final judgment or other ruling/plea bargain in this case. In the meantime, the above-referenced suspensions will remain in effect indefinitely.

We approach this situation with the utmost seriousness. We have offered full cooperation to the authorities and stand ready to assist in any way that advances justice and accountability. Any individual or organization that had dealings with Op4G/SliceMR or SNWare Research between 2014 and 2024 and has any pertinent information relating to this matter should reach out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office at usanh.webmail@usdoj.gov using the subject line “Slice” or “SNWare Research”.

As outlined by the U.S. Attorney, the case involves alleged criminal activity that fundamentally violates the trust that goes to the core of our profession. The behavior described in the indictment is abhorrent, deceptive, shocking and completely inconsistent with our industry’s longstanding ethical standards.

“This moment demands that we all, as professionals, resoundingly condemn any behavior that undermines the integrity of our work,” said Melanie Courtright, CEO of the Insights Association. “We must be diligent in exposing suspected fraudulent or illegal behavior at any place, at any time, from any person or organization connected to our profession. Our industry’s hard-earned reputation should not be sullied by the actions of a single organization, but this must serve as a stark reminder that we all must do everything we can to maintain the integrity of the work we do.”

Courtright continued, “While this case is a disturbing example of misconduct, it is crucial to emphasize this is an isolated incident. It should not cast doubt upon the integrity of thousands of honest, professional organizations and individuals who comprise our industry.”

IA’s subsidiary, CIRQ (Certification Institute for Research Quality) suspended SliceMR’s certification to ISO 27001. This certification is entirely focused on matters of information security, and it should be noted that any audit under the ISO 27001 parameters would not have uncovered the activities outlined in the indictment.

SUPPORT FROM THE INSIGHTS ASSOCIATION

Since its inception (and prior to that, when it was CASRO and the MRA), the Insights Association has been deeply invested in supporting data integrity, boosting data quality, and rooting out fraud. We are:

• A founding leader of the Global Data Quality initiative, working with other leading organizations worldwide to create, promote, and implement best-practice guidance and tools.
• Promoting resources such as:
  • Data Quality Transparency Checklist
  • An Overview of the Online Participant Sourcing Ecosystem
  • ESOMAR’s “37 Questions to Help Buyers of Online Sample”
  • CRIC’s “Clients’ Guide to Data Quality in Online Research”
  • MRS/VMÖ Guidance on Improving Data Quality
  • SampleCon’s “End Link Fraud” Guide
  • IA’s Data Quality Benchmarks Initiative
• Promoting adoption of the Data Quality Excellence Pledge, a commitment signed by over 150 organizations to uphold high standards, improve transparency, and support education across the industry.
• Encouraging companies to pursue certification via CIRQ to ISO 20252, the standard directly related to market, opinion, and social research. IA believes that working with providers certified under ISO 20252 – which covers critical processes for research quality – is a strong step toward maintaining data integrity and best practices.
• Hosting informational sessions about techniques and best practices that promote data quality at webinars and conferences, including the recent Ignite: Data Quality event in New York on April 14.

MOVING FORWARD: HOW THE INDUSTRY CAN BEST PROTECT ITSELF

The best way forward is to be proactive, educated, and vigilant. Here are several concrete ways individuals and organizations can mitigate the risk of becoming victims of fraudulent practices:

• Know your partners. Ask tough questions and vet vendors thoroughly.
• Request transparency. Ask about sourcing, sampling, and verification practices.
• Educate your team. Ensure staff are familiar with best practices and red flags in online sampling and surveys.
• Stay engaged. Participate in industry webinars and conferences where best practices are actively discussed.
• Build your network. Strong peer connections can help identify reputable research service providers.
• Report unethical or illegal behavior to the Insights Association immediately* – even if the party involved is not an IA member.

*As stated in the Insights Association’s Code of Standards & Ethics, membership in the Association may be suspended or terminated for cause, and that includes any violation of the IA Code. During the period of suspension or expulsion, the member will not be permitted to vote on any issue brought before the membership, advertise in Association publications, exhibit at Association events, or be listed in membership rosters. Complaints about the business practices of any IA member should be made in writing and submitted to enforcement@insightsassociation.org. All complaints will be thoroughly investigated by IA’s Standards Committee.

We remain committed to protecting the reputation, integrity, and future of the research and insights industry. For any questions, or to report concerns, please contact us at inquiries@insightsassociation.org.

Together, we will uphold the values and standards that sustain our profession.