Hashed Linkages for Administrative Datasets: A Technical How-To Guide

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Hashed Linkages for Administrative Datasets: A Technical How-To Guide
Language: English
Authors: Samantha Fu, Charles Davis, Jesse Rothstein, Aparna Ramesh, Evan White, California Policy Lab (CPL)
Source: Grantee Submission. 2022.
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2022
Sponsoring Agency: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Contract Number: R305A220451
2024283
Document Type: Guides - General
Descriptors: Data Use, Research Methodology, Researchers, Privacy, Information Security, Public Agencies, Technology, Data Collection, Coding
Abstract: Linking data together can be a powerful way for governments and researchers alike to tackle vexing public policy research problems. However, for researchers, finding ways to link data directly between two departments can often be more challenging than even obtaining the data in the first place. Even when a researcher develops the necessary relationships and trust with multiple government agencies, traditional linking requires each agency to share identified data, sometimes resulting in privacy and security concerns, and also requires the agencies to work together in ways that are not always easy to accomplish. We discuss these issues at greater length in another report that covers the logistical, statutory, and technological considerations for implementing privacy-preserving linkages. This how-to guide focuses on the linkage process itself, and aims to serve as a technical handbook for parties interested in linking datasets that have been de-identified using cryptographic hashing methods.
Abstractor: As Provided
IES Funded: Yes
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: ED653103
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Linking data together can be a powerful way for governments and researchers alike to tackle vexing public policy research problems. However, for researchers, finding ways to link data directly between two departments can often be more challenging than even obtaining the data in the first place. Even when a researcher develops the necessary relationships and trust with multiple government agencies, traditional linking requires each agency to share identified data, sometimes resulting in privacy and security concerns, and also requires the agencies to work together in ways that are not always easy to accomplish. We discuss these issues at greater length in another report that covers the logistical, statutory, and technological considerations for implementing privacy-preserving linkages. This how-to guide focuses on the linkage process itself, and aims to serve as a technical handbook for parties interested in linking datasets that have been de-identified using cryptographic hashing methods.