Federal census-participate or joke/privacy invasion??

[ilima]

I didn't see any of that type of stuff on the census this year....

I don't particularly like answering the questions - but I do.

Most people just get the short form. There are a lot more questions on the long form.

[Blueberry]

Most people just get the short form. There are a lot more questions on the long form.

Interesting. I had heard that they shortened the form, so I just thought it was *that* much shorter. I've gotten the long form before and I remember spending hours filling it out.

ETA: After a little research, it looks like the census is short form only. They're relying on the American Community Survey for the remainder of the data. Apparently, the response to this is also required by law.

[Crankin]

I never considered not filling it out. What's the point of this type of protest? They really do use the data; i.e., we got new congressional districts, based on the census data.
Maybe I am naive about privacy issues, but I just don't worry about this stuff. For some reason, every few months DH's Amex card is used fraudulently. I think it's because he buys an incredible amount of stuff on line, instead of going to a store, especially things for home maintenance. He just checks his account daily, and if there is a problem Amex takes care of it.
Many, many years ago, before the internet, I went to get a credit report because I was turned down for a small loan from my credit union to finish my masters. It turned out, that they had one of my parents' bills on my credit record. My dad and I have the same first 3 letters of our first names and similar SSNs. That, along with having the same last name did it. Although it took a little screaming from dad to have the credit bureau fix this, it's the only time I've had an issue with identity.

[withm]

If you use one of those little "discount" or "buyer's club" cards at your local grocery store, drugstore, the data miners have way more personal information about you, including your name, than the census ever collects.

[tulip]

If you use one of those little "discount" or "buyer's club" cards at your local grocery store, drugstore, the data miners have way more personal information about you, including your name, than the census ever collects.

Exactly. But then how else are you going to get the specials? It's a racket.

[OakLeaf]

And if you've ever turned in a health insurance claim, then anyone who wants it can get your entire medical history.

The loyalty cards are just a way for the stores to bring their data-mining in-house. They were getting it all from your bank/credit card company before, this just makes it more economical and more comprehensive for them.

Honestly I don't care if they know that a 50-year-female from my zip code who buys organic parsley sometimes buys store-made cookies, too. I'm a lot more concerned about who has access to my medical records. But there's nothing I can do about that, short of paying cash for all of it and choosing a doctor who doesn't participate in HIPAA... of whom there are very, very few nowadays.

[withm]

Exactly. But then how else are you going to get the specials? It's a racket.

You are absolutely right. It really annoys me that we have to give in to this scheme. It's only a matter of time before really blatant targeted direct marketing kicks in. It's pretty creepy to even think about it. It's only one step away from stalking.