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APDU

@apduorg.bsky.social
684 followers 444 following 769 posts

Association of Public Data Users (APDU) is a national network that links users, producers, and disseminators of government statistical data. Members share a vital concern about the collection, dissemination, preservation, and interpretation of public data.

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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
More than 40,000 of you have submitted comment in response to the proposed changes to decennial census! Are we going to exceed 60,000? 80,000? 100,000? Have YOU submitted yet?
41,983 comments
88% oppose
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
We hope you got some rest over the weekend and Indigenous Peoples' Day. The most recent check-in on comments submitted on the proposed census rules shows: ✔️ 39,130 comments received 📣 88% opposed
39,130 comments received.
88% opposed.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
We've been focused on the census lately, but that doesn't mean we have forgotten about other critical data. We applaud @ritahamad.bsky.social and colleagues at @harvard.edu for their new report: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) in Crisis popcenter.harvard.edu/blog/2026/10...
Report cover art with title and an adult holding a newborn.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
More than 33,000 comments submitted. 88% oppose the proposed changes to the decennial census. Have you shared your thoughts with the Census Bureau yet?
33,329 comments
88% oppose
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Today's update shows the % opposed is *dropping*
22,796 comments
86% oppose
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In a big swing from early submissions, 88% of responses now oppose the proposed changes to the decennial census.
88% oppose the rule
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Trying to make sense of how restrictions on data privacy protection will affect your work? We have a new resource for you: Explaining Department Administrative Order “Disclosure Avoidance for Statistical Products” (DAO 216-26) and Its Impact on Critical Data apdu.org/wp-content/u...
Screenshot of report. Full text at link in post.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
"This order subverts processes developed over decades to foster transparency and public trust and creates a scenario in which there will either be less privacy for our personal information, or less usable data, or both." Read the full joint statement: apdu.org/joint-statem...
Quoted text in red font
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: APDU Data Integrity Award Nominate individuals, teams, or organizations whose research, projects, or initiatives have made a demonstrable contribution to the Guiding Principles for Public Data. Self-nominations are welcome. Submit today: forms.gle/gmV5Y8UwynmQ...
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Early-bird pricing for the APDU unConference ends May 31. Register today! apdu.org/events/apdu-...
Conference logo
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
The Privacy Act of '74 only protects citizens & “green card” holders. That creates a challenge when agencies hold records on both people who are covered & people who aren't In these “mixed systems,” agencies often can’t tell who's currently covered, & therefore entitled to protections under the Act🧵
Screenshot of report cover. Full text available at link in post.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
DYK federal agencies can disclose your personal info to more people, for more reasons than you may be aware of? And agencies don’t have to tell you directly, get your consent first, or stop if you object. Our "Routine Use" brief explains this loophole & how it works apdu.org/apdu-in-acti...
Screenshot of report. All text available at link in post.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
APDU’s Primer on the Privacy Act of 1974 provides a clear, accessible overview of the law, incl. the rights it gives to you, & the responsibilities it places on federal agencies. Read now: apdu.org/wp-content/u...
Screenshot of report cover. Full text available at link in post.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Care about what's happening with data privacy in the US? Then this is an event you won't want to miss. 🎯 us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
You can’t have high-quality public data without sustained support. We need stable funding and modern tools to ensure long-term access, preservation, and reliability of public data. Sustainability is the 6th in our Guiding Principles for Public Data. Read them all here: apdu.org/wp-content/u...
APDU Guiding Principles for Public Data
Principle 6: Public Data Systems Are Sustainable
Data systems must be designed for long-term access, preservation, and reliability.
Regular monitoring and oversight help identify risks and ensure continuity.
Even one-time data collections should meet rigorous standards.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
To support people and communities, public data quality must be “fit-for-purpose.” In practice, it looks like rigorous collection methods, documentation, and continuous evaluation against established standards. Learn more about our Guiding Principles for Public Data: apdu.org/wp-content/u...
APDU Guiding Principles for Public Data
Principle 5: Public Data Are Fit-for-Purpose

Quality is multidimensional: accuracy, consistency, and representativeness all matter. 
Data should support effective policy and research.
Limitations such as missing data and imputation must be clearly documented.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Transparency & openness build confidence in public data. And help us hold the gov't accountable that data is collected, used, & shared in ways that best serve the public. Read why transparency is our 4th principle: apdu.org/apdu-guiding...
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Every step of the data lifecycle must be ethical. Respect for all communities and the public good should be at the center of all data practices. When our data systems are accountable, we can identify, address, and correct harms or errors. Learn more: apdu.org/wp-content/u...
APDU Guiding Principles for Public Data
3: Every Step of the Data Lifecycle Supports Ethical Data
Data should serve the public good. 
Practices should respect individuals, communities, and data sovereignty.
Goals, methods, limitations, and uncertainty should be communicated clearly to support responsible data use.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
When it comes to public data, privacy & confidentiality are non-negotiable. Privacy protections must be built into every stage of the data lifecycle, not ignored or treated as an afterthought. And that’s why it’s the 2nd of our Guiding Principles for Public Data. Read all apdu.org/apdu-guiding...
APDU Guiding Principles for Public Data
Number 2: Privacy and Confidentiality Are Protected
Strong privacy protections build trust and support data quality. 
Communities affected by data should be respected and represented in privacy decision-making.
Privacy protections must be built into every stage of the data lifecycle.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Data collected with public resources should be available to the public. That’s why our #1 Guiding Principle for Public Data is all about making sure public data can be easily discovered, understood, and accessed—while still protecting privacy. Read all of the principles: apdu.org/apdu-guiding...
Info card that reads: APDU Guiding Principles for Public Data
1 Public Data Area Accessible
Why This Matters
Publicly-funded data should be publicly available, with appropriate privacy protections. 
Data, metadata, and documentation should align with open data standards.
Data access strengthens democracy and innovation.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
ICYMI: The recording, slides, and resources from yesterday's Rapid Response Data Briefing: 2026 Census Test are now available online Review here: dataindex.us/events/Rapid...
Screenshot from linked URL
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
🚨 DYK that planning for the 2030 Census is underway? Unfortunately, a critical test has been scaled back. Join our Rapid Response Data Briefing to learn what's in the 2026 Census Test, why it’s important, the risks, & how you can respond. 🗓️ 2/23/26 ⏰ 4 PM ET 📍 Register: tinyurl.com/2026-Census-...
Webinar
Rapid Response Data Briefing 
2026 Census Test
February 23, 2026
4:00-4:30 PM ET
Co-hosted by dataindex.us, Association of Public Data Users (APDU), PRB, The Census Project, The Leadership Conference Education Fund, and Fair Count
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
AI has been making headlines—some hopeful and some horrifying—in recent months. Join us for a clear-eyed discussion with Nathan Sanders, co-author of "Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship." Register now: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
APDU Webinar
Perspectives on AI: Insights from "Rewiring Democracy"
January 27, 2026
(Association of Public Data Users logo)
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
2025 was a challenging year for public data, but the deep engagement of the data user community has been a silver lining. As we reflect on the past year at APDU, we think a few data points paint a clear picture of the work we’ve done. And we look forward to continuing our work together in 2026.
APDU’s 2025 By The Numbers
1 unConference for members to share knowledge and discuss issues of concern.
2 Data Integrity Summits to understand the biggest risks to public data.
3 Taking Stock conversations to reflect on the public data and evidence ecosystem.
4 public statements on changes to data infrastructure, including one of the nation’s first statements on the erasure of public data from government websites.
5 Town Halls on topics ranging from digital security to the dissolution of federal scientific advisory committees.
6 blogs on data integrity topics.
9 briefings, reaching more than 1,500 participants, to increase awareness of risks facing federal data and to equip the public with tools for how to respond.
11 letters signed to support the federal statistical system.
12 monthly newsletters to keep members informed.
30+ publicly-available slides, updated monthly, about changes to federal data.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
The collection of data that fuels everything from advanced research to everyday decision making is, by many measures, underappreciated and insufficiently rewarded. Experts Claire McKay Bowen and Aaron R. Williams have some practical ideas for what to do apdu.org?p=5814137
Computer code on a screen
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Read the latest in our new blog series Driving While Looking Through a Shattered Rearview Mirror apdu.org?p=5814077
Cracked rearview mirror
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Not surprising, but the USDA fall data users' meeting has been cancelled...
The 2025 USDA Fall Data Users' Meeting webinar has been canceled.
Thank you!
2025 USDA Fall Data Users' Meeting
Date & Time	**strikeout text** Oct 21, 2025 01:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Central Time (US and Canada)
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
❗❗❗ You may have heard that USDA ended a long-running data collection on food insecurity and called it "redundant." Our friends @kcww.bsky.social and Isabel Pastoor at @ipums.bsky.social fact-checked that claim. Read what they found: blog.popdata.org/food-securit...
Screenshot of table from IPUMS blog. Full text at link in post.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
🚨 USDA canceled the Food Security Supplement (FSS), the gold standard for measuring food insecurity. Join our Rapid Response Data Briefing to learn: 🔵 What’s in the FSS 🔵 Why it matters for hunger & nutrition policy 🔵 What’s at risk 🔵 How to take action Register now: tinyurl.com/FSS-webinar
Webinar
Rapid Response Data Briefing
Understanding the Food Security Supplement
Tuesday, October 7
3:00-3:30 PM ET

FRAC APDU DataIndex.US PRB
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Federal data websites appear to be (mostly) working, but there will be no updates nor questions answered until the shutdown ends. [Image: screenshot of warning notice on CDC WONDER]
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
📣 Changes are coming to the Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data (HIFLD) 🌐 HIFLD Open was discontinued, & DHS is collecting use cases for HIFLD Secure. The collection (500+ geospatial datasets) supports community preparedness, emergency response/recovery, and more. Learn more at link in 🧵
Navigating the HIFLD transition: lessons from HIFLD Open's sunsetting, and call to action for secure use cases.
Thursday
September 25, 2025
4-5pm EDT
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
Whether you're navigating missing data, advancing access in your community, or simply a frequent user of public data, you won't want to miss this conversation hosted by our friends at MySidewalk. State of Data Access II September 25, 2025 Register now (link in 🧵)
Live Webinar: The State of Data Access II
September 25th, 1pm CT / 2pm ET
Presented by MySidewalk in partnership with USAFacts, America's Essential Data, and NLC
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
DYK there are changes proposed for the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey? Join panelists @mmather.bsky.social, Norma Coe, @denicewross.bsky.social, & Meghan Maury to learn 🔵 What's in MCBS? 🔵 Why is MCBS important? 🔵 What are the risks? 🔵 What can you do? Register us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Rapid Response Data Briefing
Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey
Wednesday, September 3
2:30-3:00 PM ET
APDU
DataIndex.US
PRB
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
DYK there are changes proposed for the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey? Join panelists @mmather.bsky.social, Norma Coe, @denicewross.bsky.social, & Meghan Maury to learn: 🔵 What's in MCBS? 🔵 Why is MCBS important? 🔵 What are the risks? 🔵 What can you do? Register us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Rapid Response Data Briefing
Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey
Wednesday, September 3
2:30-3:00 PM ET
APDU
DataIndex.US
PRB
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Based on analysis from @ucs.org there has been an "extreme rise in documented attacks on science." Link to full report in 🧵
Documented attacks on science by administration
Bush 2001-2009 - 96
Obama 2009-2017 19
Trump 2017-2021 207
Biden 2021-2025 2
Trump Jan-Jun 2025 402
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
"The moment many of us in the public data community have feared has come to pass: the President has fired the head of a federal statistical agency because the data are politically inconvenient." Read our newsletter for the full statement
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
Looks like we have a new Chief Statistician of the US...
Social media post from Mark Calabria
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
DYK? CDC Revised and Deleted 26 SOGI Data Elements from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System You can read @mel-klein.bsky.social's latest roundup for @dataindex.us at the link in 🧵
Notable Changes
CDC Revised and Deleted 26 SOGI Data Elements from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System

The CDC submitted a revision request on June 26, 2025, for the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). Citing EO 14168, the agency provided a table outlining 26 revisions and deletions of data elements across questions related to all conditions, hepatitis, human rabies, listeria, mpox, and non-congenital STDs. These changes include replacing terms like “gestational parent” with “gestational mother,” deleting questions about gender identity and sexual orientation, and eliminating all references to transgender individuals.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Did you know that the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) is up for renewal? APDU, @dataindex.us, and @prbdata.bsky.social are hosting a rapid response briefing to share: 🔵 What's in the survey? 🔵 Why is ATUS important? 🔵 What are the risks? 🔵 What can you do? Registration info in 🧵
Rapid Response Webinar:
American Time Use Survey
Wednesday, July 9
2:30-3:00 pm ET
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
If you or your organization would be interested in supporting APDU's ongoing work to protect public data, please consider becoming a sponsor: apdu.org/wp-content/u...
Association of Public Data Users 2025 Sponsorship
Opportunities
The Association of Public Data Users (APDU) is a national network that connects users, producers, and disseminators of government statistical data. APDU members share a vital concern about the collection, dissemination, preservation, and interpretation of public data.
Your sponsorship is vital to supporting public data.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
If you or your organization would be interested in supporting APDU's ongoing work to protect public data, please consider becoming a sponsor: apdu.org/wp-content/u...
Association of Public Data Users 2025 Sponsorship Opportunities

The Association of Public Data Users (APDU) is a national network that connects users, producers, and disseminators of government statistical data. APDU members share a vital concern about the collection, dissemination, preservation, and interpretation of public data.

Your sponsorship is vital to supporting public data.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
Are you a defender of public data? ✅ Join us on July 22 to connect with colleagues, learn the latest, and strategize for the future of public data. Register now: apdu.org?product=unco...
APDU unConference 2025
Connect. Learn. Strategize.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
Do you care about public data? Join us on July 22 to connect with colleagues, learn the latest, and strategize for the future. (Link to more details and registration in comments.) #data #datascience #statistics #econsky #demography #socialscience
APDU UnConference 2025
Connect. Learn. Strategize.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
So here's where DOGE is this week
Tweet from DOGE that reads:
Besides the Census itself, the 
@USCensusBureau
 performs 102 additional surveys costing $2.2 billion, many of them obsolete with the results not being used to drive any action nor even looked at. 

The Census Bureau and DOGE are reviewing them one-by-one.  So far, 5 wasteful surveys, totaling 493 pages of questions and $16.5M in costs, have been terminated, with questions like:
 - “In your entire life, have you had at least 12 drinks of any kind of alcohol, not counting small tastes or sips?”
 - “Was this MOSTLY regular wine, wine coolers, or fortified wine?”
 - “How frequently do you use the internet in your home?”
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
WEBINAR: The State of Data Access (May 15) Join national leaders and local experts for a conversation about how we can protect vital information—and strengthen our future—through data resilience. Hosted by mySidewalk Details: hubs.la/Q03kzbmm0
Screenshot from webinar registration page with title "The State of Data Access"
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
URGENT: On Monday 4/21 of the National Assessment Governing Board is meeting and there's an opportunity for public comment. *Written* comments MUST be received 5pm ET TODAY. For verbal comments (Zoom), you MUST register in advance. Links in 🧵
Call to action on education data
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
***APDU Statement on Education Research and Data*** "Running the nation’s education system without IES will be like flying without air traffic control." Read our full statement at the link 🔗 in 🧵
Screenshot of statement. Full text available at link in post.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
NEW: Documentation for 2020 Census data products and American Community Survey data products are no longer available to the public.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
APDU has issued a statement on the removal of public data. Please read and share widely. (Link to full text in comments.)
Screenshot of APDU statement on public data. Full text at link in comments.
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APDU @apduorg.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
URGENT: APDU urges you to contact your representatives, regardless of their party affiliation, and let them know that you, as a constituent, believe that the loss of public data is unacceptable. ☎️ is most effective and takes just two minutes of your time. Contact lookup and sample script in 🧵
Call your representatives and ask them to defend public data
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