OT: SSN (Was RE: Enforced Costraints (sic) ??)

As this has de(re)-generated into an OT thread, let me add my bit as a newcomer before EP jumps in with his Google Gun :)

A combination of widespread use of the SSN in any and every thing related to you (Credit history, Dental records, etc.) makes one wide open for identity theft and misuse. It is a wonder things haven't broken down yet, but I would dare say that we in the US are walking on the edge... Having said that, it *is* deeply embedded as Marc notes...

John Kanagaraj
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Marc Perkowitz [mailto:mperkowitz_at_twjconsulting.com]
>Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2001 12:51 PM
>To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L
>Subject: Re: Enforced Costraints (sic) ??
>
>
>Interesting reference. Based on the contents of this
>reference, you should
>not use SSN for a primary key unless you work for the IRS or a
>state/county/city taxing authority. The SSA is arguing that use of SSN
>should be restricted to taxing authorities and banned from use by other
>government authorities (such as state driver license bureaux)
>and commercial
>organizations. I applaud the intent of the SSA, by seriously
>doubt that
>this can be accomplished. Its use is very much embedded in US society
>today.
>
>Marc Perkowitz
>
>> your employer certainly needs to know about it.
>>
>> I once had a personnel database with 25 years of personnel
>data (about
>> 1,200,000 individuals). When we loaded it into Oracle with
>the SSN as
>PK,
>> there was one duplicate SSN. Of course, that employer was very
>> conscientious about requiring a valid SSN.

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Author: John Kanagaraj
  INET: john.kanagaraj_at_hds.com

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