Can I collect passport numbers from participants in South Carolina? What are the requirements?

According to SCCL 30-2-310, a public body may not collect a social security number or any portion of it containing six digits or more from an individual unless authorized by law to do so or unless the collection of the social security number is otherwise imperative for the performance of that body’s duties and responsibilities as prescribed by law. Passport numbers are not explicitly mentioned in this section, but they may be considered personal identifying information and subject to the same restrictions. Therefore, collecting passport numbers from participants in South Carolina may not be allowed unless authorized by law or necessary for the public body’s duties and responsibilities. Additionally, if a public body does collect social security numbers or other personal identifying information, they must be relevant to the purpose for which collected and must not be collected until and unless the need for social security numbers has been clearly documented ^[2.1].

Source(s):

• [2.1] Collection of and maintenance and disposition of records containing social security numbers by public agencies.

Jurisdiction

South Carolina

• Privacy