California To End Sale Of Social Security Numbers

According to a report dated today, the California Progress Report states:

"Assemblyman Dave Jones last week revealed that a state-run web site had been selling access to the Social Security numbers of thousands of California consumers, a practice that began in 2004 and only ended this week when Jones raised objections. According to Jones this is

• "potentially the longest running government Internet breach in California's history."

• “For the past 3 years, the state has been in the data broker business [...]. It has sold Social Security numbers for a mere $6 each to any member of the public with an Internet connection and a credit card. This is a gold mine for identity thieves.”"

For the rest of the report, including a link to legislation proposed by Assemblyman Jones designed, for among other reasons, to stop this practice, see Legislation to End California's Sale of Social Security Numbers (State Sold Thousands Over Three Years on the Internet for $6 A Pop)
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