The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has sparked controversy by approaching members of the public to question them about their transgender status as part of follow-up Census research, the Daily Mail can reveal.
Privacy Concerns Raised
Campaigners and privacy advocates have expressed alarm over the intrusive nature of the questions, which come despite the ONS previously assuring the public that individual Census responses would remain anonymous and protected.
The follow-up surveys are being conducted by field workers who approach households that previously completed the 2021 Census. These officials are asking detailed personal questions about gender identity and transgender status, leaving some residents feeling uncomfortable and concerned about data protection.
Assurances Versus Reality
During the original Census rollout, the ONS repeatedly emphasised that individual information would be kept confidential and used only for statistical purposes. However, the current practice of door-to-door questioning about sensitive personal characteristics appears to contradict these earlier assurances.
One field worker, speaking anonymously, confirmed they had been instructed to ask about transgender status as part of their follow-up surveys, describing it as a standard part of their current data collection activities.
Growing Public Unease
The revelation has raised serious questions about the boundaries of state data collection and whether statistical bodies are overstepping their remit when gathering sensitive personal information.
Privacy campaigners argue that such intrusive questioning could deter public participation in future official surveys and undermine trust in government data collection practices.
The ONS maintains that all data collection follows strict privacy protocols, but concerned citizens are questioning whether the statistical body has crossed an ethical line in its pursuit of detailed demographic information.
