Guardian Launches 'Deleted Data' Series on Lost Government Info

Guardian Announces New Series Investigating Disappearing Government Data

The Guardian today launched Deleted data, a new series investigating the growing loss and alteration of US government data and its implications for the public. Across federal agencies, decades of vital datasets and public-facing tools covering climate, public health, economic inequality, and civil rights have been removed, altered, or left to deteriorate. The series will document what is being lost, examine why it matters, and reveal tangible consequences for communities nationwide.

Part of the Building Power Project

The Deleted data series is a key component of the Guardian's broader Building power project, which examines how communities respond to political, economic, and social challenges. Alongside coverage of grassroots organizing and pro-democracy movements, this data component underscores how access to information is a form of power, revealing disparities that inform public policy and civic action.

Team and Legacy

The series is led by Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil, senior editor for special series, along with data reporter Amy Qin (formerly of WBEZ) and graphics reporter Flávio Pessoa (formerly of the Washington Post). Their work builds on the Guardian's legacy of data journalism, including The Counted (tracking police killings) and Lost on the frontline (tracking healthcare worker deaths from COVID-19).

—

Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list

Philanthropic Support

Made possible by support from theguardian.org (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) and partners including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Marguerite Casey Foundation, all reporting remains editorially independent.

Quotes

Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil said: “What we choose to measure and maintain reflects what we value. As data disappears, it becomes harder to see inequality and hold power to account. With Deleted data, we hope to restore visibility and accountability.”

Nicole Kotzen, executive director of theguardian.org, added: “When public data is removed, it can impact FEMA's disaster response or food banks' ability to feed families. We are proud to support this work.”