Effective July 1, SB 168 (Bowen) prohibits any person or entity, other than a state or local agency, from using an individual's Social Security number in certain ways, including posting it public or requiring it for access to products or services.

Changes to Civil Code
SB 168 adds Section 1798.85 to the California Civil Code. This section specifically prohibits the following:
*Public posting or displaying of an individual's Social Security number.
*Printing an individual's Social Security number on any card required for the individual to access products or services provided by the person or entity.
*Requiring an individual to transmit his/her Social Security number on the Internet unless the connection is secure or the Social Security number is encrypted.
*Requiring an individual to use his/her Social Security number to access a website, unless a password, unique identification device, or unique personal identification number also is required to access the site. This may require a change in systems used to access or transmit personal, business, human resource or payroll information on the Internet.
*Printing an Individual's Social Security number on any materials that are mailed to the individual, unless state or federal law requires the Social Security number to be on the document mailed.

Note: "Applications and forms" sent by mail may include Social security numbers.

Continued Use of Number
If you have used an individual's Social Security number in any of these ways before July 1, you may continue using that individual's Social Security number in the manner on or after July 1, if all the following conditions are met:

*The use of the Social Security number is continuous. If the use is stopped for any reason, the new requirements apply.
*The individual is provided an annual disclosure that informs the individual that he or her Social Security number in a manner prohibited by the new requirements.
*A written request by the individual to stop the use of his or her Social Security number prohibited by SB 168 shall be implemented within 30 days of the receipt of the request. A person cannot be charged a fee or denied services because of making this request.

Note: SB 168 does not prevent the collection, use, or release of a Social Security number as required by state or federal law or the use of a Social Security number for internal verification or administrative purpose.