Twitter partners with ABS to support Census night 2021

Twitter has provided an update on its efforts with regard to the 2021 Australian Census.

This year, Census Night is taking place on Tuesday, 10 August 2021, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will count every person and household in Australia. 

The Census is the most comprehensive snapshot of the country and tells the story of how Australia is changing. 

People will be able to complete their Census online, on paper, or with help from the ABS. This year, everyone can start their Census as soon as they receive instructions, if they know where they’ll be on Tuesday 10 August.

There is also translated information available in a number of languages. For more information, visit the 2021 Census website.

Through direct planning and training, Twitter has worked to ensure credible, updated information is being surfaced for people looking for information on how to complete the Census. 

According to Andrew Henderson, Census National Spokesperson and executive director, ABS “It’s important that people can access a reliable and official source of information about the 2021 Census. I encourage people to visit the Census website for key information about doing the Census and how we can help people to complete their Census”.  

“We want to make sure people have the information they need to participate, because the Census provides a picture of the economic, social and cultural makeup of Australia. Data from the Census informs important decisions about transport, schools, health care, infrastructure, and business. It also helps plan local services for individuals, families, and communities.”

Twitter partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics to launch a new tool so when someone searches for certain keywords associated with the Census, a prompt will direct individuals to the official Census site. This website, which has information available in 25 languages, provides clear information on the 2021 Census, how to participate, and how the Census process will safeguard individual privacy and security.  

It is against the Twitter Rules to share false or misleading information about how to participate in a civic event. As part of company-wide efforts to fight misinformation regarding participation in civic events globally, the existing Civic Integrity policy applies to Census-related content to make certain the Census conversation on Twitter remains healthy.

Additionally, the ABS has launched a multi-pronged public service media campaign aimed at driving awareness and participation in the Census.