Your data and security : Overview

By filling in the census questionnaire, you can play your part in building a picture of us all. This helps decide how services are planned and funded in your local area.

Keeping your data safe

The safety of your information is our top priority. The statistics we publish from the census are completely anonymous, which means that none of your personal information is published. Your census record is kept secure for 100 years and only then can it be seen by future generations.

We have a strict security regime that follows government standards. This includes physical and IT security measures to protect your information.

All our systems, staff and suppliers must protect your confidentiality by law. Laws in place that cover protection of your data include:

  • Data Protection Act 2018
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • Census Act 1920
  • Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007

We follow the law to the letter.

To find out more about how we keep your data safe, visit the Office for National Statistics website.