Public datasets
Anonymized files downloadable under stated terms.
Data
Responsible access to data and research results, with participant protection and clear versions, methodology, and conditions of use.
Anonymized files downloadable under stated terms.
Files requiring application, agreement, and additional safeguards.
Variable names, values, derivations, and notes.
Question wording, routing, and instructions.
Detailed tables, denominators, weights, and notes.
Definitions, values, periods, and geographic coverage.
Filtering, display, and download where a suitable platform exists.
Code, processing rules, or supporting files where feasible.
| Level | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Available for download and use under a license. | Attribution and compliance with terms. |
| Registered | Requires an account or basic requester information. | Accept terms and identify user. |
| Restricted | Subject to heightened risk or rights. | Application, purpose, protection plan, agreement. |
| Secure | Analyzed in an environment not allowing raw-data download. | Approval and output review. |
| Unavailable | Cannot be shared because of risk or rights. | Alternative tables or analysis may be requested. |
Requests are reviewed according to purpose, requester organization, variables, sensitivity, users, storage environment, duration, and outputs. Submission does not guarantee approval, every variable, or redistribution rights.
The Center may be able to prepare a table or custom analysis where raw-file sharing is not possible. Scope, time, cost, and use rights are agreed before work begins.
Each published file has a version and date. Changes to weighting, coding, or records produce a new version and effect notice; files are not silently replaced.
Removing names is not always sufficient. Combinations of age, area, occupation, rare events, open text, and location are reviewed and may be grouped, removed, or restricted.
Users may request a more accessible file or table where published material is difficult to use, subject to rights and restrictions.