Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sun-barr!lll-winken!uunet!motcid!ellis
From: ellis@motcid.UUCP (John T Ellis)
Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk
Subject: Re: Social Security numbers
Message-ID: <4611@orchid12.UUCP>
Date: 31 Jan 91 13:56:25 GMT
Reply-To: motcid!ellis@chg.mcd.mot.com (John T Ellis)
Organization: Motorola Inc. - Cellular Infrastructure Div., Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Lines: 51
Keywords:

In article <29736@mimsy.umd.edu> dalamb@umiacs.umd.edu (David Lamb) writes:
>The recent discussions about privacy prompt this question:
>Use of a single "person identifier" like social security number make it
>easier to correlate different computer databases, which might lead to
>more violations of privacy.
[text deleted]

>Is it legal for all these people to do this?  Did somebody change the
>rules, or was my "vague memory" always wrong?  is anyone else upset about
>this?

About two years ago, I wrote a report on social security number fraud and the
computer.  The report basically outlined the "Big Brother" syndrom that was
becoming more and more prevalent as the social security number became the most
popular key field for computer databases.

From my investigation, the following information came to light.

	1. The social security number was (and still is) intended to be used
	   by only the social security office.

	2. With the advent of the computer, the IRS realized that with one 
	   number, record keeping was made simpler.  They therefore petitioned
	   congress and received permission to begin requiring the SS# on all
	   forms.  This then led to the banking industry and employers using
	   it.

	   Note:  Before the use of the SS# as the taxpayer ID, individuals 
	          were issued seperate numbers for this purpose.

	3. Currently, it is NOT illegal for anyone to ask you for your SS#.
	   However, it IS illegal for them to refuse you service if you do 
	   not give it to them.  If you encounter any problems with this, you
	   are asked to contact the nearest SS office and report the offence.


Personally, I am frightened by the present and future prospects of the use and
abuse of the SS#.  However, in order to live in today's society, (ie. use the
services available) I must allow my SS# to be used.  Therefore, I am very
discriminate with how I use this number.  I have removed the number from my
Drivers License and checks.  I no longer write down the number for credit card
companies, check cashing cards or other "consumer" services.  Rather, I give
them a credit card number.

Hope this helps.

-- 
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  John T. Ellis 708-632-7857   | To YOU I'm an atheist;
       Motorola Cellular       |    To GOD I'm the Loyal Opposition.
 motcid!ellis@chg.mcd.mot.com  |                     -- Woody Allen