IPUMS-International Statistical Disclosure Controls: 159 Census Microdata Samples in Dissemination, 100+ in...

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Demography
• Population Studies

Background:

• A significant expansion in the availability of global census microdata has occurred.
• The IPUMS-International project provides access to over 325 million person records from 55 countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the revolution in access to census microdata for research.
• To detail the IPUMS-International project's scope, data access, and future expansion.
• To outline the privacy protection standards and operational underpinnings.

Main Methods:

• Dissemination of confidentialized microdata extracts on a restricted access basis.
• Data collection and integration from National Statistical Offices worldwide.
• Analysis of 64,248 requests to profile frequently used samples and variables.

Main Results:

• Over 325 million person records from 55 countries are currently available.
• The database is projected to cover 80% of the world's population with additional datasets.
• A profile of most frequently used samples and variables has been established.

Conclusions:

• The IPUMS-International project has transformed access to global microdata for research.
• Privacy protection standards are crucial for international cooperation and project success.
• The project's legal, administrative, and technical frameworks support data accessibility and security.