Secure access to confidential microdata: four years of the Virtual Microdata Laboratory

Explains how this has become ONS's solution to providing access to sensitive microdata while maintaining its confidentiality and securityThis article explains how the Virtual Microdata Laboratory (VML) has become the Office for National Statistics' solution to providing access to sensitive microdata while maintaining the confidentiality and security of the data. In the four years since it was set up, the VML has gone from almost nothing to becoming a major resource for UK academic researchers. The VML has enabled both more detailed and wider research, and has influenced policy making at all levels. Looking ahead, the VML faces significant challenges and a bright future. Economic & Labour Market Review (2008) 2, 29–34; doi:10.1057/elmr.2008.73