Disclosure is the release of data that reveals information or permits deduction of information about a particular survey unit through the release of either tables or microdata. Disclosure avoidance is the process used to protect each survey unit’s identity and data from disclosure. Using disclosure avoidance procedures, the Census Bureau modifies or removes the characteristics that put information at risk of disclosure.
The Census Bureau’s disclosure avoidance policies are guided by formal data stewardship standards designed to protect respondent confidentiality while enabling high‑quality statistical releases. Two resources help explain how these policies are developed and overseen. DS025: Organization of the Disclosure Review Board outlines the structure and responsibilities of the Disclosure Review Board (DRB), the body that reviews and approves the disclosure avoidance methods used across Census Bureau products—including guidance related to when legacy methods such as noise infusion may still be used under federal policy. The Data Stewardship Executive Policy (DSEP) Committee provides bureau‑wide leadership on confidentiality, privacy, and data stewardship practices and issues policy updates, such as those related to implementing Department Administrative Order 216‑26. Together, these materials provide outside users with insight into how the Census Bureau evaluates and governs its disclosure avoidance methodologies.
This page serves as a one-stop-shop for all things related to data privacy of information the Census Bureau collects on businesses and the economy with an emphasis on privacy modernization efforts.
Here is an overview of what each section contains: