Speaker
Description
To reflect key advances in statistical disclosure control (SDC), we present a revised and unified version of the World Bank’s microdata anonymization guides. The World Bank previously published three separate guides: one on SDC theory and two practice guides for implementing microdata anonymization using the R package sdcMicro, both via command line and the sdcApp GUI. These guides have been widely used by practitioners in national statistical offices (NSOs), international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector, forming the foundation for training and technical assistance initiatives.
Since their initial publication, the field of SDC has evolved. This revised guide incorporates methodological updates, including differential privacy, updates all code and screenshots to reflect changes in sdcMicro and sdcApp, and introduces a new reproducible case study based on a fully synthetic population dataset for training purposes. It also integrates insights from real-world implementations by NSOs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Additionally, the three guides are now consolidated into a single resource, replacing ReadTheDocs with Quarto and hosting the guide on the World Bank website. This new structure enhances usability, simplifies navigation, and ensures consistency. The revised guide provides a comprehensive, practical resource for SDC practitioners, combining theoretical foundations with applied guidance rooted in real-world experience.