Statistics of U.S. Businesses

Confidentiality - Why We Cannot Provide Lists of Companies

Federal Law Protects Your Information

The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the United States Code. These laws not only provide authority for the work we do, but they also provide strong protection for the information we collect from individuals and businesses. In addition, other federal laws, including the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act and the Privacy Act, reinforce these protections.

Title 13 Protections

• Private Information is Never Published

           It is against the law to disclose or publish any private information that identifies an individual or business:

              No names
              No addresses
              No Social Security Numbers or Employer Identification Numbers
              No telephone numbers

• We Collect Information to Produce Statistics

            We use your information to produce statistics. Your personal information cannot be used against you by any government agency or court.

• Sworn for Life to Protect Your Confidentiality

           Every person with access to your information is sworn for life to protect your confidentiality.

• Violating the Law is a Serious Crime

           If anyone violates this law, it is a federal crime; he or she will face severe penalties, including a federal prison sentence of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.


More information can be found on the Census Bureau's Data Protection and Privacy Internet site.