The U.S. Census Bureau

Disclosure Avoidance Practices and Research at the U.S. Census Bureau: An Update

Laura Zayatz

KEY WORDS:

ABSTRACT

The U.S. Census Bureau collects its survey and census data under Title 13 of the U.S. Code which promises confidentiality to its respondents. The agency also has the responsibility of releasing data for the purpose of statistical analysis. The goal is to release as much high quality data as possible without violating the pledge of confidentiality. We apply disclosure avoidance techniques prior to publicly releasing our data products to protect the confidentiality of our respondents and their data. This paper discusses the various types of data we release, our disclosure review process, restricted access procedures, disclosure avoidance techniques currently being used, and current disclosure avoidance research.

CITATION:

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical Research Division

Created: June 16, 2005
Last revised: August 31, 2005