Thread View: comp.society.privacy
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Started by Daniel P. B. Smith
Thu, 07 Jan 1993 02:05
Mass. driver's license S numbers -- really different?
Author: Daniel P. B. Smith
Date: Thu, 07 Jan 1993 02:05
Date: Thu, 07 Jan 1993 02:05
25 lines
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1917 bytes
Last time I had my driver's license renewed, I was pleasantly surprised to see a sign posted indicating that you could request a non-SS number. I was even more surprised, when I made the request, to find that it was "sure, no problem." (I expected a baffled look, 'gee I dunno nobody has asked about it, please wait here ten minutes will the people behind you get angry while I consult my supervisor'). So now that I have an "S number" -- the non-SS numbers all begin with S -- I keep wondering. My S number is not exactly an anagram or transposition cipher of my social security number -- but there are some distinct similar- ities. Probably just a coincidence, but it does make me wonder. Any other S-number holders out there? Are the S numbers really assigned freshly, e.g. if mine were S01234567 and the next person behind me requested one would they get S01234568? Or are they derived from the social security number by some simple algorithmic process? The other thing I wonder about is whether the S number subjects me to any subtle discrimination. I _haven't_ noticed any. But I wonder if people assume I must be some kind of deadbeat evading skip-tracers .... Just a little recreational paranoia, folks, nothing to be concerned about. -- Daniel P. B. Smith dpbsmith@world.std.com
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