Brazil implements stricter data access for census and health information

The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) has released the 2022 Demographic Census microdata with stricter access protocols. Publicly available data is now limited to the state level. To access more granular information, researchers and public managers must request approval through a digital signature via the gov.br platform, requiring both a CPF and a CNPJ. This controlled access level requires signing a commitment term that prohibits the use of information for commercial, advertising, or marketing purposes. IBGE stated that these restrictions aim to balance statistical access with citizen privacy, particularly given the risks posed by advancing artificial intelligence technologies.

In a related context of data protection in Brazil, the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) classifies health information, such as diagnoses and exams, as sensitive data. The National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) mandates that hospitals and laboratories follow principles of purpose, necessity, and transparency. For research purposes, data usage must prioritize anonymization or pseudonymization to prevent patient identification. Under current regulations, health data cannot be transferred to third parties or used for purposes different from those agreed upon with the individual.