1. Introduction to Confidentiality, Census Bureau Data Products, and a Broad Definition of

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 releases, the disclosure avoidance techniques currently being used, and how they may be seen as a form of imputation