Thus, an error in one data element will still produce an accurate match. This is not true when data systems rely on one numerical identifier, like a Social Security number. Organizations like MIB Inc., which stores millions of computerized medical diagnoses on Americans for insurance companies, do not rely on Social Security numbers at all. Long ago, IBM discontinued using the number as an employee number. By law in Wisconsin and in Arizona, university systems must keep track of thousands of students without requiring a Social Security number.
Genealogists keep track of millions of individuals without the benefit of any numerical identifiers.
Managers of most criminal justice information systems are smart enough not to rely on Social Security numbers to keep track of millions of computerized files on individuals. Aside from technological alternatives, governmental agencies could comply with the bill simply by creating a randomly selected alternative ID number of nine digits for individuals who desire an alternative to a Social Security number. In fact, studies show that many persons inadvertently provide an incorrect Social Security number from memory. Many people accidentally provide a spouse s number. Studies show a much higher accuracy rate when an individual has to consult a document when providing an identifying number, not relying on memory.