The Inspector General’s Office said this in a press release Outline your findings a report Examining the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ response to three incidents in 2024 in which it released key economic information incorrectly or prematurely.
These incidents included the early release of Consumer Price Index (CPI) and real earnings data to 72 ISPs in May 2024, and the release of Current Employment Statistics (CES) data via phone and email to some companies. External users which he asked for when its publication was delayed in August 2024, and to share the internal CPI methodology with a limited group of external users before going public on three separate occasions in 2024, according to the statement.
“Protecting the integrity of our country’s economic data is critical.” Anthony B. D’EspositoInspector General, US Department of LaborHe said in the statement. “These incidents highlight the importance of stronger safeguards and clear procedures.
“While the BLS has taken purposeful steps to reduce the risk of incorrect disclosures, our work reinforces that continued improvements are critical to ensuring every user has equal and secure access to federal economic information,” D’Esposito said.
In response to the three incidents in 2024, BLS updated its IT safeguards, reviewed its performance standards, strengthened management oversight, updated its policies and expanded its staff training, according to the release.
After examining the response, the OIG recommended that BLS strengthen its testing procedures, provide clearer guidance regarding restricted access information in its training programs, and finalize a plan to ensure timely internal reporting in the event of any future incident, according to the statement.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ response to these findings, which is included in the Office of Inspector General’s report, the Acting Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics WILLIAM J. WIATROSKI She said the BLS believes it has already addressed some of the report’s recommendations.
“While it would have been preferable for the report and its recommendations to reflect all of the improvements that have been implemented, the BLS will address any outstanding OIG recommendations in an effort to bring transparency and continued accountability to data users and reaffirm its commitment to maintaining data integrity,” Wiatroski said.
