U.S. Directive Bans Differential Privacy for Economic Data Releases

Overview of DAO 216-26

On June 4, 2026, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce implemented Directive DAO 216-26, which prohibits modern privacy techniques, including differential privacy, used by the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau.

The directive is seen as a significant regression in data confidentiality measures, affecting how demographic and economic information is protected.

Impact on Data Use and Confidentiality

The ban on differential privacy will likely result in less accurate and useful statistics being produced, straying from advancements made over the past fifty years in data confidentiality techniques.

Experts argue this could lead to increased risks for individuals’ data, as well as a decline in public cooperation with census efforts due to fears of privacy violations.

Political Interests Behind the Directive

The directive is attributed to political motivations rather than scientific rationale, with connections to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 and statements from the Center for Renewing America.

Critics assert that the directive bypassed necessary legal procedures and undermines the principle of confidentiality mandated by the Census Act.

Call to Action from the Scientific Community

In light of the potential negative consequences of DAO 216-26, leaders in the computer science and data privacy fields are calling for greater advocacy against the directive.

There is a mobilization effort among scientists to highlight the importance of modern privacy measures and to ensure that public data collection efforts remain robust and informative.