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Can I collect social security numbers from participants in Alaska? What are the requirements?

Collecting Social Security Numbers in Alaska

Based on the information provided in the context documents, there are certain restrictions on the collection and use of social security numbers in Alaska.

Requirements for Voter Registration

According to AKST 15.07.060, each applicant who requests registration or reregistration shall supply the following information:

  • The applicant’s name and sex
  • If issued, the applicant’s State of Alaska driver’s license number or State of Alaska identification card number, or the last four digits of the applicant’s social security number
  • The applicant’s date of birth
  • The applicant’s Alaska residence address
  • A statement of whether the applicant has previously been registered to vote in another jurisdiction, and, if so, the jurisdiction and the address of the previous registration
  • A declaration that the applicant will be 18 years of age or older within 90 days after the date of registration
  • A declaration that the applicant is a citizen of the United States
  • The date of application
  • The applicant’s signature or mark
  • Any former name under which the applicant was registered to vote in the state
  • An attestation that the information provided by the applicant in (1) — (10) of this subsection is true
  • A certification that the applicant understands that a false statement on the application may make the applicant subject to prosecution for a misdemeanor under this title or AS 11.

Therefore, if you are collecting social security numbers for voter registration purposes, you may collect the last four digits of the applicant’s social security number.

Duties of the State Social Security Administrator

According to 2 AKAC 05.125, the state social security administrator is designated to act for the state in administering the state’s section 218 of the Social Security Act (42 USC 418) coverage agreement. The state social security administrator maintains physical custody, in a secure location, of the state’s section 218 of the Social Security Act (42 USC 418) coverage agreement, any modifications and all intrastate agreements.

Therefore, if you are collecting social security numbers for the purpose of administering the state’s section 218 of the Social Security Act (42 USC 418) coverage agreement, you may collect social security numbers.

Restrictions on Collecting Social Security Numbers

However, there are restrictions on the collection and use of social security numbers in Alaska. According to AKST 45.48.400, a person may not intentionally communicate or otherwise make available to the general public an individual’s social security number. Additionally, printing an individual’s social security number on a card required for the individual to access products or services provided by the person is prohibited.

Furthermore, requiring an individual to transmit their social security number over the internet unless the connection is secure or the social security number is encrypted is also prohibited. Requiring an individual to use their social security number to access an internet website unless a password, a unique personal identification number, or another authentication device is also required to access the website is prohibited.

Printing an individual’s social security number on material that is mailed to the individual is also prohibited unless local, state, or federal law expressly authorizes placement of the social security number on the material or the social security number is included on an application or other form sent by mail to establish, amend, or terminate an account, a contract, or a policy, or to confirm the accuracy of the social security number.

Therefore, based on the above information, it is recommended that you do not collect social security numbers from participants in Alaska unless it is required by law or necessary for the purpose of establishing, amending, or terminating an account, a contract, or a policy, or to confirm the accuracy of the social security number.

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Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Alaska