id: "PT-07(01)" title: "Social Security Numbers" family: "PT" family_name: "PII Processing and Transparency" sort_id: "pt-07.01" priority: "P2" implementation_level: "organization" parent: "PT-07" enhancement: True
Statement
When a system processes Social Security numbers:
Eliminate unnecessary collection, maintenance, and use of Social Security numbers, and explore alternatives to their use as a personal identifier;
Do not deny any individual any right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because of such individual’s refusal to disclose his or her Social Security number; and
Inform any individual who is asked to disclose his or her Social Security number whether that disclosure is mandatory or voluntary, by what statutory or other authority such number is solicited, and what uses will be made of it.
Guidance
Federal law and policy establish specific requirements for organizations’ processing of Social Security numbers. Organizations take steps to eliminate unnecessary uses of Social Security numbers and other sensitive information and observe any particular requirements that apply.
Assessment Objective: when a system processes Social Security numbers, the unnecessary collection, maintenance, and use of Social Security numbers are eliminated;
Assessment Objective: when a system processes Social Security numbers, alternatives to the use of Social Security Numbers as a personal identifier are explored;
Assessment Objective: when a system processes Social Security numbers, individual rights, benefits, or privileges provided by law are not denied because of an individual’s refusal to disclose their Social Security number;
Assessment Objective: when a system processes Social Security numbers, any individual who is asked to disclose their Social Security number is informed whether that disclosure is mandatory or voluntary, by what statutory or other authority such number is solicited, and what uses will be made of it;
Assessment Objective: when a system processes Social Security numbers, any individual who is asked to disclose their Social Security number is informed by what statutory or other authority the number is solicited;
Assessment Objective: when a system processes Social Security numbers, any individual who is asked to disclose their Social Security number is informed what uses will be made of it.
Personally identifiable information processing and transparency policy and procedures
privacy notice
Privacy Act system of records
privacy notice
separate notice regarding the use of Social Security numbers
privacy plan
other relevant documents or records
Organizational personnel with personally identifiable information processing and transparency responsibilities
organizational personnel with information security and privacy responsibilities
Organizational processes for identifying, reviewing, and taking action to control the unnecessary use of Social Security numbers
implementation of an alternative to Social Security numbers as identifiers