Feds Address Identity Theft

Amid the controversies over illegal workers, the transportation workers identification credential (TWIC) and other measures that would require employers to collect and verify personal information about workers, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeking comments on the use of Social Security Account Numbers (SSAN) by the private sector.

The President's Identity Theft Task Force recommended that Task Force agencies develop a comprehensive record on the uses of the SSAN in the private sector and evaluate the necessity of those uses. The Task Force report, says the FTC, recognized that a thorough examination would help policymakers and the private sector find ways to limit the unnecessary uses of SSANs.

The FTC is inviting interested parties to comment on the various uses of SSANs by the private sector, the necessity of those uses, alternatives available, the challenges faced by the private sector in moving away from using SSANs, and how SSANs are obtained and used by identity thieves.

Comments must be received before September 5, 2007. To obtain information on how to submit comments, see http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2007/07/ssncomments.shtm.