There is a wealth of existing survey data that is open and available to you. Use of publicly available data that does not include any private, identifiable information does not require IRB approval. Here are some examples of such data sources:

European Union Open Data

General Social Survey

U.S. Census

U.S. Government Open Data

World Bank Open Data

Use of private, identifiable information would require IRB review. In addition, if you are using publicly available data and then conducting research that involves intervention or interaction with living humans, IRB review would be required. Please contact the IRB at irb@humboldt.edu to discuss your specific research question.