Options for encoding names for data linking at the Australian Bureau of Statistics

Publicly, ABS has said it would use a cryptographic hash function to convert names collected in the 2016 Census of Population and Housing into an unrecognisable value in a way that is not reversible. In 2016, the ABS engaged the University of Melbourne to provide expert advice on cryptographic hash functions to meet this objective. After receiving a draft of this report, ABS conducted a further assessment of Options 2 and 3, which will be published on their website.