Former Government Officials Urge 2020 Census Cyber and Data Security Transparency

A large group of former Federal government officials–including national security and other experts from the Departments of State, Homeland Security, and Justice–urged Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in a letter released yesterday to disclose the 2020 Census’ data protection and cybersecurity policies.

The letter, which called the first electronic census “a moment of both opportunity and risk for our country,” was signed by 11 individuals and one industry group. Ahead of a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Joint Subcommittee meeting tomorrow, the letter was also sent to Reps. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., and Elijah Cummings, D-Md., who lead the House committee, as well as Sens. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and Clair McCaskill, D-Mo., who lead the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

“Ultimately, the accuracy of the 2020 Census will be improved by enhancing the public’s confidence in the secure collection and safe storage of that information,” the letter explained.