recordswithout

recordswithout is a nonprofit open-data initiative and digital archive dedicated to making records accessible while protecting personal privacy. It collects, preserves, and provides access to a range of documents with sensitive information redacted or anonymized, balancing transparency with privacy protections.

The project began in 2018 when a coalition of archivists, privacy advocates, and technologists argued that openness should not come at the expense of individuals’ privacy. The name recordswithout reflects the guiding principle of sharing records without exposing or compromising private data.

Scope and methods: recordswithout works with libraries, archives, government offices, and community groups to acquire records such as civil documents, court records, meeting minutes, and oral histories. Redaction is performed with a combination of automated tools and human review, and materials are accompanied by provenance metadata and notes describing the redactions. When possible, anonymized datasets or synthetic records are published to support research without risking privacy.

Access, licensing, and governance: the project uses open licenses where feasible and provides materials via an online portal. Governance is community-led, featuring a board and advisory groups that include archivists, technologists, and privacy experts. Redaction logs and documentation accompany each release to promote transparency and accountability.

Impact and reception: recordswithout has been used by scholars, journalists, and educators to study social history while mitigating privacy risks. It faces ongoing challenges in balancing openness with privacy, ensuring consistent redaction quality, and navigating legal constraints across jurisdictions.