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The U.S. Census Bureau plans to replace American Community Survey (ACS) microdata with synthetic data, risking scientific research. This move may harm policy and planning by reducing data usability for essential social science research.

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Area of Science:

  • Social Sciences
  • Demography
  • Public Policy

Background:

  • The U.S. Census Bureau is exploring replacing American Community Survey (ACS) public use microdata with fully synthetic data.
  • This initiative stems from concerns over respondent confidentiality due to increased computing power and private data availability.
  • ACS microdata are critical for social science research and policy development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the potential impact of replacing ACS microdata with synthetic data on scientific research and policy.
  • To question the necessity and suitability of fully synthetic data for current research and policy applications.
  • To advocate for empirical research on disclosure risks before implementing data replacement.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau's plan for synthetic data replacement.
  • Review of existing studies on disclosure risk in ACS microdata.
  • Argument for new empirical research to identify specific vulnerabilities.

Main Results:

  • Current synthetic data plans threaten a vital national scientific infrastructure.
  • Existing research does not establish a credible disclosure risk for ACS respondents.
  • Synthetic microdata are unsuitable for most research and policy needs.

Conclusions:

  • The Census Bureau's plan for fully synthetic ACS data may significantly impair social science research and policy.
  • Further empirical research is needed to assess actual disclosure risks.
  • Targeted disclosure risk reduction methods should be developed collaboratively if vulnerabilities are confirmed, prioritizing data usability.