The whole idea that we have some permanent "secret" number which is used to uniquely identify us is just really, really dumb in this day and age. There are better solutions, but they are hard, cost money and will probably face an insane level of political resistance. So, we continue to lurch on with the dead corpse of a bad idea that is social security numbers. But hey, at least it's cheap, right?
this post was submitted on 15 Feb 2026
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What if social security was instead a gpg key pair?
Although it will probably become a blue checkmarked profile on X.com
This number is required sharing so often by the time you hit middle age, there are good odds it’s in the wind already.
Spoiler: They won't change them.
The entire concept of a single number that you share with every employer and can be used to impersonate you and steal your identity is already mind-bogglingly stupid.
And was specifically restricted, back in the day.
At this point my ss number has been stolen by so many people I'm not sure this matters.
I still want Elon nailed to a pole by his genitalia and set on fire for what he and big balls did.
But I use to work for the DOD and the Chinese kept breaking into OPM's computers and stealing everything about me. So I'm pretty sure my clone is out there somewhere enjoying my high credit score.
a little-known federal tech team called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE
Little-known? Really?
Sounds like The Goblin is on town.
2-year credit monitoring service, take it or leave it.
I've frozen all my credit since the Equifax "hack".
And I bet if they are changed or reissued, certain people won't be given one.
If they do, I'm sure this will be particularly fun as an overseas citizen (planning to renounce when my parents pass or I can convince them to GTFO... which is not happening while either of my Trumper step-parents are alive).