Challenges to the Confidentiality of U.S. Federal Statistics, 1910-1965

Margo Anderson, William Seltzer

Abstract:
The article uses a new approach to the analysis of statistical confidentiality in official statistics by reframing the discussion of challenges to statistical confidentiality from the hypothetical threats posed by generalized malicious intruders to those posed by other government agencies with investigative, surveillance, or prosecutorial agendas. We examine cases in the half century from 1910 to 1965 in which U.S. federal government officials tried to gain access to data collected under a pledge of confidentiality in another federal government agency, generally the U.S. Census Bureau.

Keywords:
Statistical confidentiality, official statistics, population data collection