; (B) collaborate with the Governing Board to identify issues and topics for analysis and submit internal reports and recommendations to the Governing Board; and (C) prepare reports as requested by the Governing Board regarding issues and topics identified for additional research by the Governing Board. (6) Participation (A) In general The submission of pipeline safety data and information to the VIS by any person shall be voluntary, with no person compelled to participate in or submit data or information for inclusion in the VIS. (B) Acceptance of information The VIS shall implement policies to ensure that all operator data or information submitted has been authorized by the operator for submission. (C) Sharing of information The Governing Board shall encourage the voluntary sharing of pipeline safety data and information among operators of gas, carbon dioxide, and hazardous liquid gathering, transmission, and distribution pipelines and facilities, employees, labor unions, contractors, in-line inspection service providers, non-destructive evaluation experts, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, representatives of State pipeline safety agencies, local and Tribal governments, pipeline safety advocacy groups, manufacturers, research and academic institutions, and other pipeline stakeholders. (c) Information sharing (1) Inclusions Pipeline safety data and information accepted by the VIS may include— (A) pipeline integrity risk analysis information; (B) lessons learned from accidents and near misses; (C) process improvements; (D) technology deployment practices; (E) information obtained through VIS pipeline safety surveys of pipeline operator employees, as long as such surveys are voluntarily agreed to by the pipeline operator