This document discusses data citation mechanisms and services for primary biodiversity data. It outlines the need for data citation to provide recognition for data producers and publishers. An ideal data citation framework would address social, technical, and policy issues to incentivize all stakeholders. Core technical components would include persistent identifiers, a data citation mechanism, and a data usage index. The document reviews the history calling for data citation standards and proposes requirements for an effective data citation model, including attributing roles across data production and publication. It also examines challenges in developing data citation practices.