**
In an era marked by escalating concerns over information accessibility, a dedicated cohort of volunteers has come together to safeguard crucial US government datasets from deletion. This grassroots initiative, known as the Data Rescue Project, has mobilised over 800 individuals globally, who are racing against time to archive critical information that the Trump administration has sought to remove or alter, particularly concerning climate change, reproductive health, and LGBTQ rights.
A Race Against Time
Throughout 2025, the urgency to reclaim government datasets intensified as the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate what it termed “woke ideology” led to the systematic removal of thousands of webpages. One computer programmer, who opted to remain anonymous for personal safety, described the frantic nature of the task: “Every morning, I woke up and downloaded as many datasets as I could before they were deleted. If a notification popped up on my phone about a new webpage being taken down, I’d sometimes work through the night.” This level of commitment reflects the high stakes involved in preserving public data, which is essential for informed policymaking and public safety.
The Data Rescue Project acts as a network of data rescuers, primarily composed of librarians, academics, and programmers, who devote up to 40 hours a week to this cause. Lynda Kellam, a founding member of the initiative, emphasised the project’s ethos, stating, “Public data should be a public good,” akin to essential infrastructure like roads and bridges.
Building Long-Term Resilience
Initially, the project focused on immediate data recovery, with volunteers scrambling to archive information from agencies perceived as at risk of data deletion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were among the agencies from which volunteers downloaded vast quantities of information. However, as the pace of deletions began to stabilise, the group shifted its focus towards developing sustainable strategies for data preservation.
The ultimate ambition of the Data Rescue Project extends beyond merely saving data; it aims to enhance public accessibility and discoverability. Kellam pointed out that all archived data is uploaded to a searchable public repository, DataLumos, hosted by the University of Michigan. This repository not only preserves datasets but also includes metadata that provides context and understanding for each item, making the information more usable for the public.
Achievements and Ongoing Challenges
As of late April, the Data Rescue Project has successfully archived over 3,000 items from numerous government departments, with their public repository being accessed over 18,900 times. Their efforts have included saving entire websites, such as a comprehensive archive of NASA pages and the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Feather Atlas. Notably, they have also recovered critical datasets before their deletion, such as the HIFLD Open, which contained essential maps for emergency responders during climate disasters.
Despite the progress made, the sheer volume of federal datasets—estimated at over 500,000 on Data.gov—poses a significant challenge for the volunteers, who must prioritise the most vulnerable data. Lena Bohman, a co-founder of the Data Rescue Project, acknowledged the complexity of the task, saying, “Thinking that we’ll get it all is impossible.” The focus remains on preserving what is deemed most at risk.
A Sense of Purpose
For volunteers like André, who transitioned from a factory job due to chronic pain, the Data Rescue Project has provided a renewed sense of purpose. “Diving into data rescue helped me take some control and feel like I was actually doing something to help,” he reflected, highlighting the personal impact of the project.
Kellam echoed this sentiment, noting the community aspect of the initiative. “It’s very much a social movement,” she said, pointing out that there are now over 20 groups advocating for public data in various capacities. While the movement may not manifest through large-scale marches, its success lies in raising awareness about the importance of data preservation.
Why it Matters
The Data Rescue Project exemplifies a crucial response to the ongoing threat against public information in the United States. By preserving access to vital datasets, these volunteers not only uphold democratic principles but also empower citizens with the knowledge necessary for informed decision-making. In a world where data is increasingly weaponised or erased, their efforts serve as a vital bulwark against the encroaching darkness of ignorance and misinformation.
