[inetknght]

> As someone who dealt with identity theft, SSN should only be collected if contact with the SSA is needed.

You wanna tell that to phone carriers, internet service providers, electricity providers, and even water providers?

[gzer0]

You are not legally required to provide your SSN to businesses or other entities, however, their policies may impact whether they choose to work with you.

So unfortunately... they will decline to do business with you if you decline to provide your SSN.

The only logical solution: Government needs to mandate a no SSN requirement and make it illegal to refuse service even if no SSN is provided.