Despite its narrowly drawn intended purpose, the use of the SSN as a general identifier
has grown to the point where it is the most commonly used and convenient identifier
for all types of record-keeping systems and data exchanges in the U.S. Certain government
uses of the SSN are specified by law. However, SSA records are confidential and SSA
employees are responsible for safeguarding the confidentiality of SSA's records.
SSA does not disclose a number holder's SSN or confidential information related to
the individual's enumeration record unless authorized to do so under Regulation No.
1 (20 CFR Part 401) or unless the number holder consents. (For disclosure with consent,
see GN 03305.000.)
2. Disclosure by the number holder
The Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579) provides that any Federal, State, or local government
agency who ask individuals to disclose their SSN must provide them with the following
information:
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Whether disclosure is mandatory or voluntary;
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By what statutory or other authority the disclosure is solicited;
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Why the information is being collected; and
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What the effects are of not providing the information.
3. Disclosure by third parties
SSA has no responsibility for, or control over, disclosure of the number holder's
SSN by a third party once the number holder furnishes it to a third party.