In 1983, a census was planned in the Federal Republic of Germany as a statistical total survey, intended to provide current information on population size, population structure, education, the labor market, and living conditions. However, the announced electronic collection and processing of all personal census data triggered fears and visions among many citizens due to the increasing computerization, making a smooth execution of the census impossible: The "transparent citizen," who is powerless and subjected to the German surveillance state, registered and controlled as a number, was seen by many opponents of the census as a potential reality due to the comprehensive data storage in 1983. Thus, the focus of criticism was on the neglected data protection and the misuse of personal data.