The Forgotten Purpose of the Social Security Number: How America Lost Control of Its ID
In the United States, the Social Security Number (SSN) is a ubiquitous identifier, embedded in nearly every aspect of American life. From employment to banking, healthcare to education, the SSN is often the key to verifying identity. Yet, few Americans understand the original purpose of the Social Security Number, and how its mission has evolved—and arguably been compromised—over time. This blog post explores the forgotten origins of the SSN and how America lost control of its most important national ID.
The Original Purpose of the Social Security Number
The Social Security Number was introduced in 1936 as part of the Social Security Act, primarily to track workers’ earnings and calculate their Social Security benefits. It was designed as an internal government tool, limited to the administration of the Social Security program. At its inception, the SSN was not intended to be a universal identifier or a tool for identity verification beyond the Social Security Administration (SSA).
From Limited Use to National Identifier
Over the decades, the use of the SSN expanded far beyond its original intent. By the 1960s and 1970s, financial institutions, employers, and government agencies began relying on the SSN as a de facto identifier. The number was easy to use, unique to each individual, and already integrated into government records. This convenience, however, came with unintended consequences.
The Loss of Control and Privacy Concerns
As the SSN became embedded in various systems—from credit reporting to healthcare records—the number evolved into a critical piece of personal information. Unfortunately, this widespread use also made it a prime target for identity theft and fraud. Because the SSN was never designed as a secure identifier (it lacks encryption or biometric protection), it became vulnerable to misuse.
Moreover, the expansion of SSN usage happened with little public debate or legislative oversight. Americans often have no choice but to disclose their SSN, and once shared, they lose control over how it is stored, accessed, or used. This erosion of control has raised serious privacy and security concerns.
Attempts to Reform or Replace the SSN
Recognizing these risks, lawmakers and privacy advocates have long called for reforms. Proposals have ranged from creating a new, more secure national ID number to adopting biometric identifiers. Some measures have been implemented to restrict SSN use—such as limiting its display on documents—but progress has been slow and fragmented.
What Can Americans Do?
Until a better system is in place, it’s crucial for individuals to protect their SSNs vigilantly. This includes limiting disclosure, monitoring credit reports regularly, and being cautious with personal information online. On a broader scale, there is a need for public dialogue about the future of identity in America—balancing convenience, security, and privacy.
Conclusion
The Social Security Number began as a simple tool to track earnings and distribute benefits. Over time, it became America’s default national identifier—without the protections or controls one might expect. As identity theft and privacy breaches continue to rise, it’s clear that America has lost control of its ID system. Reclaiming that control will require thoughtful reform, technological innovation, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding personal information in the digital age.
