U.S. Census Bureau survey raises questions about privacy and legal obligations
U.S. Census Bureau survey raises questions about privacy and legal obligations
https://www.wgal.com/article/us-census-bureau-survey-questions-privacy-legal-obligations/71618909
Publish Date: 2026-06-17 20:16:00
Source Domain: www.wgal.com
The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, sent to millions of randomly selected addresses annually, has raised questions about its legitimacy and privacy. Viewer asks if a response is requiredA viewer emailed WGAL News 8, writing, “I received a U.S. Census Bureau paper in the mail stating it is the American Community Survey. The questions are very, very personal. They want to know a lot of personal info about your income, ethnic group, education, etc. Must we fill this out?” The viewer also shared a photo of the survey, which was addressed to “Resident” rather than her name. Survey is legitimate and mandatoryThe survey is legitimate and is sent to about 3.5 million randomly selected addresses each year, as stated in the accompanying letter.Recipients are legally obligated to respond, and failure to do so could result in a $500 fine. Follow-up visits reportedWGAL News 8 has heard from viewers who reported visits from Census Bureau representatives after not responding to the survey. While the survey asks personal questions, the Census Bureau is legally prohibited from sharing individual responses with anyone, including other government agencies.Survey results are compiled to create up-to-date statistics used by federal, state, and local leaders.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, sent to millions of randomly selected addresses annually, has raised questions about its legitimacy and privacy.
Viewer asks if a response is required
A viewer emailed WGAL News 8, writing, “I received a U.S. Census Bureau paper in the mail stating it is the American Community Survey. The questions are very, very personal. They want to know a lot of personal info about your income, ethnic group, education, etc. Must we fill this out?”
The viewer also shared a photo of the survey, which was addressed to “Resident” rather than her name.
Survey is legitimate and mandatory
The survey is legitimate and is sent to about 3.5…
