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Nope: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Security_number#Purpose_and_use http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Security_number#Purpose_...

• josteink 13y ago
  Thanks for the reply and the correction! Ok. So you have me on one thing: it wasn't originally intended to be used as a personal identifier. You learn something new every day. But then according to your very own link, it has universally been used and repurposed for this exact thing for the last 45 years, without issues, and with duplicate SSNs no longer being a problem. I'd say that sounds like a very proven form of identification. So what problem do you (OP / ams6110) have with people using it as such?
  • ketralnis 13y ago
    > without issues That's a stretch. Because: > So what problem do you (OP / ams6110) have with people using it as such? A SSN is the "secret" bit to a small amount of otherwise-public info (name, address, some other bits) to getting a loan or credit card or other credit-related actions in my name. I went to a small two-year school that used SSNs as their personal identifier numbers. Someone broke in and stole student records. Now the school's poor identity choices has put thousands of students' financial identities at risk.
    • RexRollman 13y ago
      I remember the state of Virginia used to use SSNs for driver's license numbers but I've heard they've stopped doing that.