NIH takes oversight of security very seriously, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability of participant data. In support of recent security directives, NIH implemented a technical update to enhance security measures focused on protecting data provided by NIH Controlled-Access Data Repositories. As of April 4, 2025, NIH is prohibiting access to NIH Controlled-Access Data Repositories and associated data by institutions located in countries of concern. These countries include China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela, consistent with EO 14117 (PDF) and 28 CFR Part 202 "Preventing Access to U.S. Sensitive Personal Data and Government-Related Data by Countries of Concern or Covered Persons."

Data Access Restrictions

As of April 4, 2025:

  • Requestors located in countries of concern are blocked from accessing any SEER data.
  • Requestors with accounts associated with free email providers (e.g., gmail.com, 123.com, qq.com, outlook.com) are blocked from accessing any SEER data.

Data Access Requirements

SEER has several data products and requirements differ by product. A summary of the requirements is provided below, but refer to the links and comparison page for more information.

  • For SEER Research Data, requestors must be located outside any of the countries of concern and use an email address affiliated with an institution or organization.
  • For SEER Research Plus and NCCR Data, refer to the requirements in the FAQs.
  • For SEER Specialized Databases, you must first have access to SEER Research Plus and NCCR Data, but refer to the individual specialized database requirements for details.