Overview of statistical data confidentiality protection in transition countries

Abstract

This article presents the results of a survey on statistical data confidentiality (SDC) in the transition countries carried out by the UNECE secretariat in 2000/2001. It gives an overview of the general policy of national statistical offices towards disclosure control, the legal basis for SDC in countries, and the use of different methods for confidentiality protection. The required legal basis for confidentiality has been established in most of the transition countries. In practice, the main safeguards for protecting confidentiality are administrative and organisational. The use of mathematical methods of disclosure control is less advanced as there is often not enough awareness of the possible methods. Software and training were highlighted by the transition countries as the priority areas for future development of SDC.