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. This is the way it should be in a democratic society separate identifiers for separate purposes. A single all-purpose number or identifier sounds convenient until you think of the vast powers that this gives the people in charge of demanding the ID document. I suggest that the sub-committee consider adding to HR 220 a provision permitting state tax authorities to use the Social Security number as an individual taxpayer ID, because this is a purpose that is compatible with uses by the IRS authorized in the bill. However, I suggest that the subcommittee make clear in the bill that there is an absolute prohibition against any government agency requiring a Social Security number for a child 16 years or younger, except for a child earning reportable income or desiring a Social Security number for employment.