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I thought that the privacy act (HIPAA) forbade use of the Social Security Number, or even asking for it, except by banks and federal agencies.

Nevertheless, I frequently get asked for my Social Security Number by private companies. For example, I just asked a company to rent me a propane tank and they sent me a form asking for my Social Security Number. Is that a violation of Federal law?

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    HIPAA only created privacy regulation on medical data, and only applies to health insurers, medical providers, etc. It has nothing to do with your propane company. If they're using it for a credit check, the FCRA may apply, but it wouldn't be a blanket prohibition on asking for an SSN. I don't know any law that would have that effect.
    – Nate Eldredge
    Commented Dec 2, 2018 at 3:01
  • Also police asking for your "sosh" as if you even have to give it to them. There is in fact only very limited information that you have to give cops if asked like 2-3 pieces which I don't recall but ACLU enumerates them very widely and clearly.
    – JosephCorrectEnglishPronouns
    Commented Jul 7, 2022 at 10:22

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HIPAA only governs the disclosure of electronic medical records. It has nothing to do with Social Security numbers, except to the extent that they appear in your electronic medical records.

Generally speaking, there is no law against asking someone for their Social Security number. It is a request for information, protected by the First Amendment. Reciprocally, there is generally no law requiring you to disclose your Social Security number. Your choice not to speak is similarly protected by the First Amendment.

A business can ask for your Social Security number, and you can want to keep it private. In that case, one of you can compromise to make a deal, or you can both walk away having lost nothing.

There are, however, certain types of transactions for which a Social Security number is required under 31 CFR 1020.220. This includes setting up a bank account and transactions that have to be reported to the IRS. If you want to engage in one of these transactions without providing your Social Security number, you're out of luck.

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