This sort of data is compiled in quite a few environments in the UK (race surveys go out with all sorts of things) such that entities (especially government one

This sort of data is compiled in quite a few environments in the UK (race surveys go out with all sorts of things) such that entities (especially government ones) can ensure that they are conforming to 'equal opportunities' legislation. I appreciate the sentiment behind it and think that it makes sense, but every time I see one I can't help but be amused that such legislation is directly responsible for dozens of government departments sending out questionnaires about peoples' race [1] where they previously did not. :) [1]: These are, of course, suitably anonymised after the fact. No worries there.