Privacy & Information Security Law Blog

On December 8, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Social Security Number Protection Act of 2010 (S. 3789), which is aimed at reducing identity theft by limiting access to Social Security numbers.  The bill prohibits printing Social Security numbers, or any derivative of a Social Security number, on government-issued checks, and bars federal, state and local government entities from employing prisoners in jobs that would allow them to access Social Security numbers.  Although there are numerous state laws on the books to safeguard Social Security numbers, the Social Security Number Protection Act will provide federal coverage.  The bill was introduced by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Judd Gregg (R-NH) and passed in the Senate by unanimous consent on September 28, 2010.  It is now headed for signature by President Obama.