Data analysts express concern over the suggested change.
Census Bureau officials released a proposal on Friday suggesting that they use less “granular data” in upcoming census data updates. They say it would strike a balance between accurate data and the privacy of census takers. Their data is created block by block, so it is not difficult to extrapolate information about individuals from that data.
During a virtual meeting of the Census Scientific Advisory Committee, Jason Devine of the Census Bureau said that the data would be more accurate at the census tract level. However, data creators and government officials rely on the specificity of the data for science, city planning, and policy development.
The Census Bureau has opened the proposal to feedback from those in the industry before a final decision is made. Researchers and other users of census data are expected to push back against the concept.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the Census Bureau as they weigh privacy concerns over necessary data.
- The president’s administration as policies are considered regarding individual privacy.
- For researchers and planners who rely on the census data.
Sources: AP, Research Live
