Access to the U.S. Census Bureau's embargo site is limited to accredited media who give their chief attention to the gathering and reporting of news. Applicants must be employed or represent news organizations that regularly publish or broadcast a substantial volume of news material for public consumption. Embargo access is granted on an individual basis only. Embargoed data cannot be shared or discussed with colleagues or associates that have not been approved by the Public Information Office. See “Guidelines for Embargo Access to Census Bureau’s Media Embargo Site” for more information on embargo access requirements.

Embargoed news releases and data files may not be released to the public by any means (including print, broadcast, internet, podcast, blogs, or in any other form) before the specified date and time of release. Failure to adhere to this embargo policy will result in the removal of embargo privileges of the reporter and/or media outlet as follows:

1. First breach: Suspension of embargo privileges for six months.
2. Subsequent breach: Suspension of embargo privileges for one year. Reinstatement must be requested in writing.

Wire and distribution services are prohibited from distributing embargoed news releases and data files to subscribers before the public release date and time.

The Census Bureau, through its Public Information Office, reserves the right to deny access to embargoed information to any entity that abuses embargo privileges.

If an embargo is broken, the Census Bureau will immediately release the data to the public and a notification will be sent alerting data users that the information is now available to the public.

Media representatives are responsible for re-registering if they leave or change organizations. Failure to do so will result in immediate loss of embargo privileges.

The Assistant Director for Communications or his/her designee has final approval on all matters pertaining to embargo access.