Security concerns abound for “internet first” Census

For the first time, the U.S. Census Bureau is relying in 2020 on most respondents answering questions via computer, tablet or smartphone.

Respondents can also call a phone number to give their answers. Those who don't respond will receive paper questionnaires in the mail. If all those methods fail, the bureau will send out "enumerators" to knock on doors.

The agency intends to spread the word about its "internet first" approach.

Leaders of some minority groups worry that the reliance on the internet risks undercounting people less likely to be online: low-income households, immigrants and elderly and rural residents. Other historically undercounted groups include Native Americans, renters and people whose primary language isn't English. Owners of multiple homes are among the most likely to be double-counted.

Some experts say the online approach should have been tested more. The only end-to-end test was done in Providence, Rhode Island, last year after two other tests were scaled back to save money.